"Art is not for decoration; it is a political statement,” declares the artist Akram Dost Baloch, “a silent weapon screaming for justice through imagery.”
Dost has long established himself as a formidable force in Pakistan’s art scene, contributing significantly to the visual culture of Balochistan. His recent exhibition, ‘Through the Eyes of Silence’ at ArtCiti Gallery in Karachi, attested to his mastery of diverse mediums. The show also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to portraying the essence of Baloch culture and his love for the people of his country.
In my last conversation with Baloch, he had emphasised that his art is not mere adornment. Instead, it encapsulates narratives of and for the people of his land. It serves as a political statement, a silent force that demands justice through visual stories.
Contrary to the subtlety of the artist’s demeanour, his creations exude a powerful aura.
The seamless transition between different mediums at the exhibition, featuring over 50 distinctive paintings, was quite a feat. Notably, the recurrent motif in his figurative works — the eyes — stood out prominently. Quiet, parched and in search of a lost identity, the eyes of the male and female figures told compelling stories.
In his latest exhibition, Akram Dost Baloch continues to wrestle with the themes that have long defined his singular artistic voice
Baloch showcased oil paintings, mixed-media works and engravings on boards, each representing varied forms, textures, figures and hues.
The faces portrayed in his paintings could be harking back to individuals he may have known in his childhood or locals with whom he spent time, now absent due to the socio-political turbulence in Balochistan — a theme echoing loudly throughout his artistic journey.
The portraits of male and female figures were intricately defined, with eyes expressing grief and oozing pain, an emotional darkness and emptiness reflective of the artist’s own experiences. Some oil paintings deliberately maintained monotone or dusky backgrounds, creating a sense of abandonment, loneliness and detachment.
The closer one delved into the layers of his work, the more profound its depth became.
Another set of works, based on engraved boards, reflected a touch of tradition and culture. Despite the captivating nude imagery, a fusion of playful colours introduced a rare playfulness and harmony not commonly associated with Baloch’s work. The craftsmanship evident in these engravings is unsurprising, given the initial inspiration Baloch took from the weavers, craftsmen and women artisans with whom he collaborated as a child.
Portraying what has long been hushed up and brushed under the carpet presents both a challenge and a risk. However, Baloch’s oeuvre is a courageous attempt to express hidden emotions, unmute screams and unveil the excruciating stories overshadowed by the screams of socio-political mayhem.
‘Through the Eyes of Silence’ was on display at ArtCiti Gallery in Karachi from November 17-21, 2023
The writer is a Karachi-based journalist who writes about art and entertainment. She is also a media coordinator for the International Watercolour Society
Published in Dawn, EOS, December 10th, 2023
