ISLAMABAD: Khaas Gallery came alive with colour as an exhibition featuring the works of young artist Qadir Jhatial opened on Tuesday evening.

The exhibition titled ‘Streetwise’ is Jhatial’s first solo exhibition and features over a dozen abstract paintings in enamel on canvas. The artist captures scenes from urban life in vibrant colours and his work often reminds one of graffiti art with its bold strokes.

Having graduated from National College of Arts only three years ago, Jhatial has already developed his own recognisable style which is bold and contemporary.

In this exhibition, strong blues and reds grab the attention of the viewer. Enamel paints also have a shiny surface which reflects light, giving the paintings a luminous quality. “To achieve balance in such strong colours is not easy,” said the country’s renowned calligraphist, Rashid Butt.

In his own words, Jhatial’s compositions are simple. “I want to do away with conceptual art and just paint for the eyes,” said Qadir Jhatial.

Fariha Hassan, a guest at the exhibition, said that she liked the show as soon as she walked in. The colours jumped at her and made her feel good.

“Pakistani artists, these days, influenced by political and social conditions are producing a lot of melancholic work. But the colours here made me smile and that is very refreshing,” said Fariha Hassan. Mundane things from streets of Lahore find their way onto this artist’s canvas and take on a new life. The paintings are titled Scooter, Burgerwala, Tanga and Ice Candyman.

Jhatial’s own favourite from the paintings featured in this exhibition is ‘Itwaar Bazaar’ because of how full of life it is. “I love walking through this particular street,” said Qadir Jhatial, talking about the piece. Carey Schofield, who runs Landlands School and College in Chitral visited the exhibition and ended up buying a painting.

“I bought one for my children. They live far away from urban life and through this painting they can experience it too. Jhatial captures the essence of a city,” Carey Schofield said. Most visitors to the show seemed to enjoy the primary colours and some said the work is reminiscent of pop art.

Farrah Mahmood Adnan, who is an associate professor at a local university and an artist herself, said that although she liked the work she could see some technical errors in a few images, which she hoped the artist would work on and improve in the future. The show will run till February 2.

Published in Dawn January 28th, 2015

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