Muhammad Ashraf shared his keen observations of everyday life happenings, culture and our political system with the viewers in a recent exhibition at the Artchowk Gallery, Karachi, entitled 'Laughters of Idiocy'. For Ashraf Art is a supreme captivating force, which charms him to engross in creative imagination.
"The thin and thick paint applications, light and dark lines, tonal variations and subtle hues intermingle on a surface that is my oeuvre. For me these embodiments are the results of a continual process of investigation of mark-making, seeking new dimensions." Ashraf gives more importance to idea than technique because he believes that various media are no doubt vital to develop an idea but it is the idea itself that form the base of a painting.
"I use my drawing and painting skills to develop my ideas".
He studied under the guidance of Colin David and Khalid Iqbal at the National College of Arts, Lahore. During studies he also learned that experimentation is a part of training. Visual phenomenon is more powerful than words. Therefore he expresses his ideas more impressively through his paintings.
Ashraf used a wide range of styles and medium to support his ideas. Inks, charcoal, acrylic, watercolour, oils on canvas and hand made paper with a touch of gold leaf in some of the paintings enhance the imagery.
He also portray traditional folk objects in a symbolic way like a painting titled 'Guggu Ghora' - a clay horse one of the favourite toys of rural children.
He uses different fruits like apples, mangoes, bananas and papayas symbolically in many of his works showing idiocy.
His collection of paintings and drawings explore the expressions of common people. His artworks are rich carrying dialogues, juxtapositions and clashes with society. The paintings give abstract look with deep tones of black, red, lemon and some times green. He used white to create an expression with the medium in a bold and innovative way.
His more subtle and contemplative work reflects conceptual art that has become the style of his paintings. He turns the blank surfaces into emotions and gives his work a personal expression. The current show comprises works produced by the artist during 2003 to 2010.
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