The intimate connection between artists’ inner turmoil, emotions, visions and fantasies, and their creative output in the form of artistic expression, has given birth to some of the most compelling and emotionally resonant pieces of art known to mankind.

‘Dreamers’ at the Ejaz Art Gallery, a group show by five young artists curated by Asim Akhtar, showcases impulsive moods, inner struggles, the celebration of unrequited love and satirical takes on social injustice — all infused with rich symbolism. The main characteristics of the exhibition include the use of oil on canvas and the presence of a human figure.

Asif Hussain’s series of artworks evoke a volatile and gloomy mood, accompanied by barren lands and overcast skies. A solitary, shirtless male figure (which looks like a self-portrait) is in a contemplative mood, as if returning to his memories through paint. The chakor bird (chukar partridge), a mythical symbol of unrequited love, dominates the canvas, embodying emptiness and a longing for something beyond reach. Through the flying bird, Hussain evokes a sense of freedom and transcendence. The bird also serves as a messenger between the earthly realm and the divine, symbolising the soul’s journey towards eternal peace, away from the failures and burdens of real life.

Akash Jivraj’s somewhat anguished figure of a child, set in a stark, surreal environment in Caught It? is a bold exploration of identity and race, revealing his inner struggles and sense of alienation as a minority. Although the subject matter features a child surrounded by elegantly packed gifts, scattered in a stark, dreamlike environment, and placed one over the other, they serve as a satirical commentary and mockery of human emotions and internal conflict. The expressionless face of the child, muted by sadness, sitting on and surrounded by wrapped gifts, infused with rich symbolism and vibrant colours, conveys the complexities of greed, fear, alienation and the search for meaning.

Symbolism, satire and solitude intertwine in a group show that explores the human condition through the lens of personal experience

One smiles while looking at the roosters painted by Muhammad Asif, a young artist from Quetta who recently completed his masters in Fine Arts from Punjab University. In different mythologies, the rooster symbolises the beginning of a new day, vigilance, courage, protection and good luck. Asif’s roosters are playing football on the field, dressed in bright green shorts. In some canvases, they have taken on the body of a human figure but kept their faces as roosters. According to the artist, he wants to bring happiness through his paintings and celebrate life and laughter through his slightly surrealistic works.

According to Qindeel Usman, her work explores the intimate space she enjoys, where she finds peace and quiet — on her bed or in some corner of her room. She meticulously creates an intricate network of folds and knots in the body-clinging fabric, with built-up tones and layers of pastel silver. The painted folds and the human body are both lusciously real.

Zeenat Khan has a story behind her use of bubble wrap and the exploration of the female figure in her work. She believes that if we keep our lives simple and transparent, we can be at ease and happier, instead of hiding behind curtains of lies and pretence. The bubble wrap is painted in detail while also maintaining an element of transparency in its execution by using oil on canvas. In Broken, she narrates a personal story of when she accidentally broke a fish bowl and lied to her parents about what had happened.

As one delves into the work of these artists, one witnesses the alchemy of transforming everyday experiences and dreams into art — a process both profoundly personal and universally resonant.

‘Dreamers’ was on display at the Ejaz Art Gallery in Lahore from January 23-February 5, 2025

The writer is an art critic, fine artist and educationist based in Lahore. She can be reached at ayeshamajeed2015@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, EOS, February 16th, 2025