KARACHI: The phrase ‘feet of clay’ suggests a shortcoming or flaw in a person who is widely respected. This means human beings are susceptible creatures. Even the mightiest of us can take a tumble and fall. Therefore in many cases the act of submission becomes essential in order to stay in touch with reality. This appears to be the idea behind the clay figures and drawings made by Talat Dabir that can be viewed at the Clifton Art Gallery.

The title of the show, as hinted above, is Submissive Self. Clearly, self has many sides to it, and the submissive one may or may not be the most prominent of them. Here, though, it is the focus of the artist’s attention. She feels ‘humility’ is an important trait among human beings, and why not? So the subjects that she sculpts are seen in postures that are passive and seem to be as compliant as a protégé to his mentor can be. Talat achieves that mainly through the facial features of her characters. Their [characters’] eyes are not aggressively staring at blank spaces but give the impression as if they are the eyes of intent listeners.

The gentle tilt of the head or covering of the face with one hand is another indication of the act of submission. Mind you, this is not a result of subjugation. There’s something spiritual at work. In spirituality, the body tends to lose or let go of its tenseness, and that’s what the artist has shown in her works.

Apart from the pieces made of white clay and terracotta, there are some interesting drawings on view as well. They tend to shift the subject from individuality (read: focus on individual’s submission) to collectiveness. Still, the submissive self of the groups of people that can be seen in some of the drawings is readily noticeable.

The exhibition ends on Feb 28.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2018