The unique exhibition in connection with the holy month of Ramazan continues here at Satrang Art gallery showcasing Islamic calligraphy art. The calligraphy show, titled 'Hurouf', shocases artpieces by various renowned artists including masters Rasheed Butt and Gohar Qalam and the young stars Bin Qullander and Arif Khan.
Commenting upon the displayed artpieces in the exhibition, curator and director of the gallery, Asma Rashid Khan said, the artists in this exhibition used a distinct signature or manner in their artworks.
Highlighting the title of the exhibition, she said Hurouf, which in Arabic means letters, in the context of this exhibition, means the Art of the Letters, whereas Calligraphy or Khushkhati is a part of most cultures and languages.
It is deeply embedded in Islamic traditions, perhaps because of the emphasis on writing, reading and knowledge seeking in Islam.
In addition, Islamic Arabic calligraphy was originally used to write out the Quran, religious prayers, verses and the names of God, she added.
Master Rasheed Butt, who has the distinction of his works being in the collections of many Heads of State, in Mecca and Medina and international museums.
His plain black canvases in the exhibition were the perfect backdrops for the thick, gold painted Quranic verses.
He has pursued a bold and minimal style in his work, while staying true to Khatati and adorning the Hiliyah Sharif (P.B.U.H) with a completely traditional manner of illumination.
Describing about his artwork, Rasheed Butt said "I am fascinated by the timeless and captivating message of the Holly Quran and Sunnah, It gives me much pride to know that my hand is an instrument in creating delightful expression of this Divine message.
I feel honoured that the Almighty has bestowed upon me this opportunity to spread this Divine message to audiences world-wide. My work in Islamic Calligraphy is my fate and destiny to which I have dedicated my life.
Gohar Qalam presented traditional and perfectly balanced calligraphy pieces. Visually, his paintings reflected the splendour and are passionate in their praise of God.
Bin Qulander who was originally trained as a miniaturist, worked in the Diwani style.
His work was particularly striking since he creates intricate representations of visual patterns within his larger framework or dramatic red and blues.
He used traditional arabesque or spiral like patterns in their pieces.
Arif Khan, who is currently teaching at The College of Art and Design, Punjab University.
His work was reminiscent of musical scores where energetic, thick swipes of raw paint are used to create beautifully crafted delicate script.
Expressing about passion for his work, Arif said, if painting is music, then I play it on my canvases.
My calligraphic symphonies run in low keys, smoothly.
Suddenly, they move into a higher pitch. With thick strokes to surprise....and then, just as suddenly, they resume their soothing melodies.
This is how I work on my canvases. I subtly divide space by writing small pieces around the focal point and fill the focal point with a large word, he added.
The exhibition will be continued till Eid-ul-Fitr.
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