Aura of sanctity

The artist's mystic inclinations appeared to surface through aesthetically appealing calligraphy works in a group exhibition of calligraphy titled "Mashq-e-Junoo" at Artscene Gallery, Karachi. The beauty of the styles was brought out as each style was discernable and pleasing to look at.
Having antique style and splendidly carved Javed Qammar's calligraphy works were seemed to be inspired by the 16th and 17th century calligraphy art that can be seen on the walls of ancient mosques and palaces of that era. He embellishes his calligraphy works with beautiful flowers, geometric designs and antique patterns in vivid colours. While transcribing the Holy Qura'n in his calligraphy paintings he used various scripts in his own manner with bright colours but in some what complex and difficult style. His detailed calligraphy artworks created an aura of sanctity.
Each calligraphy work of Muneeb Ali has a striking feature like a circular pattern or a focal point from where every word seemed to emerge. This focal point evokes the concept of a Divine source as everything seemed to emanate from and converge on it. His main focus was 'Nukta' a dot from where every word emerged and he was much inspired by this fact. In all of his works he emphasised on the importance of 'Nukta'. Having green, blue, red, yellow and orange colour background the holy words in gold and ochre colours shine and gave the impression of a glow when light disperse from them. It gave the effect as if light was emitting from the words thus creating a unique look.
Using a combination of the Qura'nic verses and words Noreen Akhtar's calligraphy works based on circular pattern and images of takhtee. She skilfully arranged the holy verses and divine words in particular patterns with 'Alif' in focus.
Each of her work showed word 'Alif' as a focal point from where everything started. In beautiful colours the words against black and white backgrounds were pleasing for eyes and soul.
Rich in decoration and bold colours Ufaq Ehsan's works were a celebration of Nature. She appreciated the colours that Nature has scattered in the world around us through her works. She used images of flowers, birds and butterflies to represent colours of life. She thanked the creator for this beautiful world. She wanted to spread sense of joy and harmony through her work and said that her paintings were a simple message of peace to heal the ones who gaze upon them. But sometimes the holy words seemed to be lost in the colourful patterns of her works and one has to struggle in understanding the words written in between vivid designs and images.
Words seemed to be floating in colours in Amin ul Hasnat's calligraphy works. With white backgrounds the works were based on Holy Qura'nic verses but showed a particular linear pattern in all the works starting from the top the works seemed to spread at the base creating an impression of a drop that fell and spread, the soft tones of bold colours like red, orange, green and blue balance the composition of the works.