The first section of the book, covering painting, describes Rassam’s work, his evolution and rise, in detail, with reproductions of paintings on nearly every page. It clearly shows the overriding influence of Dali, and occasionally Seurat. One can also see how the liminal zones that feature strongly in folklore and mythology seem to emanate from Rassam’s rooting in Urdu literature.
The second section, ‘Portrait’, the most extensive, is also perhaps the most significant. It begins with a portrait of the outstanding humourist and satirist Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi. A half-smiling Yusufi, dressed smartly in a black jacket and tie, looks very much the banker. Towards the end of the book is a ‘Preface’ written by him in Urdu in his typical satirical manner.
Among the portraits, the formidable portrait of Hazel McCallion, ex-mayor of Mississauga, Canada (oil on canvas) is arresting. Rassam captures her age and rage in this showstopper. By contrast, the serene black and white portrait of the great poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore depicts him in deep thought. It is heartening to see the Nobel laureate included in this portrait gallery. The portrait of poet Jaun Elia, rendered in a different style, speaks volumes about the idiosyncratic, defeatist poet who apparently played a big part in the artist’s life. However, the portraits of fashion designer Bunto Kazmi and actress Raakhi, though quite detailed in their manifestation, seem somewhat cold and lifeless. One would have liked to see more of his portrait works done in watercolour, such as the sensitive study of the late senior journalist Murtaza Razvi, a friend of the artist.
The third section on newspaper clippings with charcoal, and the fourth on sculpture, seem to be explorations by the artist in different media. His skill and technique are admirable in both, although these are not his mainstay.
Rassam’s inclination towards copying paintings done by European masters has also been discussed, and cannot be ignored. These reproductions can best be considered academic or skill-development studies rather than actual works of art. Although lacking artistic originality, they provide an indication of the level of expertise inherent in Rassam’s work, be it painting, portrait, charcoal or sculpture. They also indicate the complex evolutionary influences, explorations, and the search for meaning and purpose in this artist’s work, drawing inspiration not only from the world of international visual arts, but also from more indigenous sources including Urdu poetry and literature.
One wishes, in conclusion, that the editing of the text had been as meticulously undertaken as the research and commentary on the life and work of the artist, or even the appearance, style and format of the book.
The reviewer is an author and co-founding senior editor of NuktaArt magazine (2005-2014).
Sense and Insanity: Paintings, Sculptures and Newsprint with Charcoal by Shahid Rassam
(ART)
By Dr Akbar Naqvi
Rassam Studio, Karachi
ISBN: 978-9699251757
229pp.
Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, October 2nd, 2016