'A painting or sculpture is not merely an aesthetic object to look at and admire. It is the essence of the soul of the artist that has taken concrete shape', says Rabia Zuberi. The renowned sculptor and outstanding art educationist, Rabia Zuberi when decided to persuad Art after graduating from Aligarh Muslim University little did she know that one day she will acquire such a position in Pakistan art circle.
While studying in Lucknow School of Art once a visit to the Modern Art Museum in New Delhi had a great impact on her. She was greatly influenced by the works of Amrita Shergil, one of India's most talented women artists. There she vowed to do her best to emulate Amrita and earn respect as an artist. And in Pakistan she became most impressed by the powerful carvings of Shahid Sajjad.
After acquiring Bachelors Degree in Art from Lucknow School of Art Rabia Zuberi along with her sister Hajra Zuberi join their parents in Karachi who had migrated earlier to Pakistan. On arriving in the city she made plans for promoting art activities in Karachi, and thus made a beginning with the Karachi School of Art. Rabia Zuberi trained as sculptor and Hajra Zuberi as a painter, both the sisters confidently use their abilities in promoting art in the country. And with the passage of time Rabia's mature work echoed through the art circle. She responded to the uncertainties and realities of life. Her sculptures details show her wider observations of life around her.
In spite of heavy responsibilities that the Karachi School of Art entailed she continued her own artistic endeavours. Under her creative hands, forms came into existence. Reclining, seated, standing, lone and group figures appeared in various structures in her work. In India, where wood was plentiful, she had worked at carving but in Pakistan she focused on modelling methods.
Going through ups and downs of life Rabia became Pakistan's first woman sculptor, a credit she often brushes aside out of modesty.
In 1972, Rabia mounted an exhibition of her work at the Indus Gallery, Karachi which was well received and led to commissioned work. She made three life-sized pieces in concrete for a leading industrial organisation and two life-sized pieces for the President's House and a 20-foot high sculpture in iron and fiberglass for the Pakistan Navy mounted at Zamzama, Clifton. Rabia was energised by commitment and continued to work hard. An element of design is a strong feature of her work. She creates rhythm in the flow of the figure without disturbing the simplicity of the form. I observe that her works as a sculptor reflect her thoughts on the world around her.
She is a socially conscious artist, who is acutely aware of the happenings around her especially the tragedies - her thematic works were appreciated globally. Her series of work titled, 'Dupatta', 'Labour', 'Quest for peace' and 'Human existence', were much acclaimed.
Her 'Dupatta' series of work was about the tradition of the dupatta or veil which is recognised as a vital aspect of female identity in our culture. The series was also supported by drawings, paintings and collage. In 1988 another series 'Quest for Peace' included free standing forms, friezes and relieves fashioned from bronze, bronze fibre and copper, based on the violence erupted in Karachi in late 80s and early 90s.
The labour series appeared with same characteristics with its individuals and groups of figures, the homage to the dignity of labour, strength, grace and beauty of human figure. The eminent element of Expression "Human Figure" remains there to have deep interaction with design as an element of sculpture, resulting in deep cut decorated surfaces. These are some of her best works which support my observation.
Rabia Zuberi is an institution in her self. Her works - sculptures, paintings and drawings - reflects her philosophy of love, tolerance and confidence. Her sculptures and paintings are the essence of her soul. Her ideas and feelings have taken concrete shape in the form of sculptures and paintings.
She inducts modern ideas in which simplification of form fully expressed her creative powers. Most of her recent works show desires of human beings such as love and affection. The delicacy of texture, rhythmic beauty of posture, continuity of line and weight along with strength, grace and beauty of human figure are distinguishing qualities of Rabia's work.
Rabia Zuberi's works of art - sculptures, paintings and drawings, adore different galleries at home and abroad and in private collection. She has many awards and appreciation to her credit since her academic days, including lifetime Achievement Award for her struggle and contribution to develop art in the city of Karachi.
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