KARACHI: One of the marked qualities of painters and sculptors from our part of the world is their instinctive adherence to the spiritual facet of life. A prime example is of the legendary Sadequain whose artistic endeavours are often highlighted by the calligraphic grace that they embody.

A group exhibition titled Zikr Volume II — Featuring Selected Islamic Artworks from Submissions across Pakistan at the VM Art Gallery is a heartwarming reminder to lovers of art in the city of how creative souls in contemporary times associate matters related to the enriching of the soul with their professional growth.

In terms of the scale of the exhibition, which concluded over the weekend, it is large, simply because the number of participating artists exceeds more than three dozen. Therefore, it is difficult to name each artist and put the spotlight on his or her effort. In terms of content, too, the variety is astounding. But before we get to that part, here’s how the organisers of the display delineate the exhibits: “[It] is an exhibition of Islamic art that aims to facilitate spiritual reflection and contemplation for the holy month of Ramazan.”

The word ‘reflection’ is at the heart of the creative exercise here, which signifies a good variety subjects that the artists have chosen to reflect upon, spiritually. For example, there is a painting (acrylic on canvas) on display which is an expression of love for the Almighty.

At the same time, the viewer will find a piece in which the mother-daughter relationship is underlined by employing Islamic geometric patterns and lines. Then there are a considerable number of exhibits where the art of calligraphy is beautifully used, along with paintings that contemplate on man’s journey in this mortal world and its connection with the divine.

Soul-stirring stuff!

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2023