EXHIBITION: PORTALS OF TRANSITION
The relationship between a master and his apprentice has been romanticised since time immemorial in both Western and Eastern traditions. It signifies not only an exchange of knowledge with regards to the primary trade in question but also of ideas and worldview.
A similar relationship is on display currently at the Aqs Gallery in Islamabad titled Modern Vision — Part 6 by Generation Rahi. As the name gives away, the exhibition is mentored by the Rahis — Mansoor Rahi and Hajra Mansoor — and contains around 81 works by 25 emerging artists, plus the artworks of the duo. In many of the works one can see direct influences by Pakistani masters, which can only come through the guidance of mentors who are seeped in knowledge and allow each of the young artists to find their own path of enlightenment. It is particularly for this reason that one finds no conformity within the works, to either each other’s or to the Rahis — instead they have been allowed to find their own trajectory.
Saima Aamir’s works, for example, deal with landscapes that bear resemblance to one of the many hill stations littered around the capital city, the escalating heights and perspectives of which are captured by her knife’s sweep of brilliant hues of red and orange, replicating the play of light and emotions that reveal themselves to the observant amongst us.
An exhibition showcases the artworks of 25 emerging artists mentored by Mansoor Rahi and Hajra Mansoor
With Tayaba Aziz’s work, one can’t help but make a connection with the famous ‘Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro.’ The figures in her work, laden with traditional jewellery, can easily be related to her with their dark skins, and a sense of time having stopped. The lazy gaze of the figures captures an element of utter calmness emanating from the canvases.