ISLAMABAD: A virtual exhibition titled Talaash - Justujo-e-Hayat showcasing the works of four Pakistani artists depicting the purpose of human existence, mysticism and importance of inner peace began on Tuesday.

The paintings — created by Amber Kazmi, Bushra Malik, Shazia Jaffery and Masooma Rizvi — highlighted the exploration of self and one’s struggle towards becoming human.

“The paintings explore and illustrate the profound concept of soul searching and spirituality,” curator of the show and artist Ms Rizvi said.

Our works more or less overlap and in fact reinforce the significance of finding our purpose in life, she said, adding: “It is a quest into one’s purpose of existence through introspection and self-reflection.”

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, art shows have predominantly transitioned online, to social media platforms and pop-up shows,” Director of Nomad Gallery Nageen Hayat said.

“The four talented artists’ styles vary from realism to impressionism depicting elements of Islamic architecture, transcendent spirituality in remembrance of the divine while seeking from deep within one’s personal journey; swirling of the derwaish inferring to their mystical beliefs,” she said.

Ms Kazmi’s works commemorated the grandeur of historical monuments through geometry and memory. She recreated the grandiosity and detailed geometric intricacies of these structures in her paintings.

Inspired by Mughal architecture and making use of deep brown strokes in her painting of the 16th century Shahi Mosque located in Chiniot, she carefully captured the viewer’s attention. Her detailed depiction of the white tile inlaid into walls of the structure further enhanced her painting.

“I want my viewer to look into history through my brush strokes. From the Mughals to the Ottomans, the sheer presence of the buildings they constructed is awe-inspiring. Rediscovering the secrets of the civilizations that built such magnificent and unique mementoes is a pleasant experience. These monuments have become fortresses protecting our memories, histories and identities,” she said.

She also painted the Hagia Sophia mosque of Istanbul, constructed in the Byzantine era and the 18th century Bolo Hauz Mosque in Uzbekistan. Hagia Sophia is also known as one of the greatest monuments of the world; the painting depicted the mosque’s intricately carved columns and arches.

Ms Malik’s paintings, while expressing states of mysticism, depicted the connection between geometry and the spinning whirling derwaish. The artist used verses from famous poems written by Punjabi Sufi poet Bulleh Shah who used to write about the significance of love.

“I have always been intrigued by spirituality, sufism, hence most of my work revolves around it. I try to convey the struggle and longing of the soul to connect to the higher being,” she said.

Whereas Masooma combined calligraphy and typography in her work to express her connection with God; her paintings Live unhindered, live undeterred, Introspection, Depth and Converge show her love for literary works ofRumi and Shams-i-Tabrizi.

Ms Jaffery used acrylics and gold leaf in her series titled Asma al Husna.

The artist, also a poet said: “In my recent practice, my poetry is driving my paintings.”

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2020