Islamabad: An online display of intricately-designed woodwork that kicked off on Friday is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful treats for furniture lovers of the city.

Eye-catching accent tables, out on display, have been designed by Mohammad Asif Sharif - noted sculptor, fresco painter and academician. Mostly placed indoors, these tables are a perfect fit for book lovers, looking to create a reading nook at home.

“Accent tables are an amassing of accents in various types of wood, volumes and surface treatments in geometric patterns,” Mr Sharif told Dawn.

He has been serving as director of the School of Art, Design and Architecture (Sada) at University of Gujrat since 2014.

The experience from ordinary to unusual is the journey one takes in the experimental forms of the furniture, which generates certain aesthetics in geometric designs for living spaces, he added.

Mr Sharif was previously working at the College of Art and Design at Punjab University as head of the sculpture department after doing a fellowship from United Kingdom; he finished his bachelor’s in fine arts in 1999 and master’s in visual art in 2003 from National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore following which, he taught there and founded the fresco painting department.

Nine tables in pairs and three in singles have been displayed at the exhibition, portraying geometric, hand-carved patterns including circular, semi-circular, triangular, square and intertwined; hard woods like Cedar, Rosewood and Oak have been used to create the pieces.

“Each table has its own geometric pattern and design, making it a piece of accent furniture that will stand out wherever it is placed. Every piece highlights the inherent qualities of its materials: dark grained hardwoods, hand-rubbed finishes and intricate decorative patterns,” Dr Arjumand Faisel, director of Gallery6, pointed out, adding exquisite polishing and intelligent use of natural wood grain add to the style of the pieces which show off the warmth of seasoned wood.

“The woodwork will compliment both modern and traditional living spaces. The main elements of this collection are clean lines, graceful proportions, quality craftsmanship and focus on aesthetics and function. The sleek and contemporary outlook is crafted brilliantly using graceful horizontal and vertical lines as planes, surfaces and minute ornamental details,” he said, adding: “The result is a table with a soul that can create a focal point in the room or an entrance.”

Over the years, four solo exhibitions displaying Mr Sharif’s work have been held. Besides participating in 25 group shows in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and London, he has been a part of several important projects including Unesco’s conservation of Lahore Fort, designing and execution of memorabilia to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of IAEA Pakistan, fresco work at a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the exterior of Gora Qabristan and Islamia School wall in Lahore, Yadgar intersection, TMA boundary wall in Sheikhupura and the Globe Souk Project at the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts London at Vita. This is the first time he has designed furniture.

The pieces will be displayed until Jan 7. The tables are likely to draw the interest of accent furniture lovers as the designs are not just unique but are being sold at reasonable prices as compared to furniture being sold in markets while the gallery will deliver them to clients free of cost.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2021