KARACHI: It is extremely important to understand and feel the spiritual link to our temporal lives, especially for the artist community because its members come from the sensitive segment of society. Seeking divine help and getting inspiration from those experiences and observations that enrich our souls is what sets us apart from the rest of the species. A two-person show titled Zikr, Volume III,which is underway at V M Art Gallery, explores those particular ‘dimensions the Islamic faith’.

The participating artists are Saba Qureshi and Alefiya Abbas Ali. As can be gauged from the rubric of the exhibition, it is part of a series called Zikr. Therefore, the two artists express their love for the divine with forms and shapes and subtle colour schemes that depict mystical subjects best illustrated through art. There are references to holy places as well which put the message across in a nice way because with them come geometrical patterns that symbolise such journeys.

It is in this regard that reading the gallery’s statement on the show might suffice: “The design serves as a reminder of the two stages of the soul, analogous to the expansion and contraction of the chest, and seeks to evoke the ideal concept of existence being synonymous with compassion, despite its occasional distance. Together, their [Saba and Alefiya’s] combined artistic expressions weave a narrative of spiritual exploration and profound contemplation. They serve as a poignant call for compassion, unity, peace, love and faith during these challenging times, with a dedicated focus on expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine.”

Yes, there’s an exhibit by Saba called ‘Prayers for Palestine’ (pen on canvas) that focuses on the extremely important subject of the Middle East.

Then, among other exhibits, Alefiya’s ‘Najm’ series (lead and handmade gouache—lamp black—and gold on arches paper) touches on the cosmic element of the spiritual world.

The show concludes on April 10.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2024