KARACHI: Eighteenth century German philosopher Immanuel Kant came up with this idea of categorical imperative, a rule of conduct, which is: ‘act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law’. This means categorical imperatives are moral commands all people must follow irrespective of their desires. The question is: when do those commands assume the shape of a dogma? This is what Mubashar Iqbal has tried to investigate in his latest exhibition titled Ephemeral Spectrum, which concluded on Thursday at the Canvas Gallery.

One must praise the artist for the subtlety with which he chooses to touch upon such a complex subject. Complexity isn’t just to do with the various approaches that the topic can be dealt with, but the quest for truthfulness that it contains. Using enamel paint and metal sheets, Iqbal in a cutout like manner creates images that despite being familiar have depth. A few of them are called ‘Melted, ‘Euphonious’ and ‘Ever Flowing’.

The last exhibit reminds one of a song Even Flow by the grunge band Pearl Jam. It may have nothing to do with the artist’s drift but a line in the song ‘thoughts arrive like butterflies’ rings true for the way the artist treats his work; it’s easy on the eyes yet loaded with meaning.

Talking of meaning, Iqbal in his statement says, “My work depicts an insight into complicated ideologies which inhibit the crux of our culture, consciousness and conscience. I intend to decipher these complexities and convert them into a relationship between various elements where comparisons among identity, arrangement and use of these mundane items reflect the world within and without us.”

This leads one back to the issue of categorical imperatives which is about the constant tussle, in a confrontational or non-combative way, between the terms-dictating world that’s beyond an individual’s control and the world that’s inside which cares both for the heart and the mind. It can be seen in the ‘Wherever I go’ series on display, too.

Nice job!

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2024