KARACHI: A symbiotic relationship is one in which the interaction between two living beings proves fruitful for both. Of course, the phrase living being suggests many species, including human beings, animals and plants. But a two-person exhibition titled Symbiosis that can be viewed at the Art Chowk Gallery does not talk about the fruitfulness of an act of bonding.

It is more to do with the process rather than its result. In a manner of speaking, one could say that it’s about the journey rather than the destination.

Tabassum Rafique has presented her drawings in the show. One needs to understand what inspires her to create.

She says in her statement that her source of inspiration is nature —be it in the form of a cloud or stones on a riverbank or flowers. It may sound simple.

However, Tabassum delves deep into her inspirations by examining objects as they move. The movement is part of the process which enables those objects to be categorised as nature’s munificence.

This helps the viewer understand that nature is not a static thing, so what we enjoy, or in some cases ponder over, is an unfolding story.

The ‘Organic Form’ series (drawing pen on neutral acid free paper) is a worthy testimony to the observation.

Faizan Riedinger opts for the same route with much more openness.

He clearly declares that as an artist it is important for him to encapsulate movement, rhythm and variations.

He also mentions nature, adding the word ‘growth’ to the whole scheme of things. Faizan, though, uses ink on paper.

This means his drawings have a pronounced black tone, which lends clarity to the rhythm and variations that he’s trying to capture. ‘Breaking Hedges’ is a case in point. And a good one at that.  

The exhibition concludes on Nov 24.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2018