Abdul Jabbar's subject of interest in his solo exhibition of paintings at Citi Art Gallery, Karachi is old historical buildings and old city residences. Such buildings are often perceived as cultural symbols and as work of art and therefore fascinate many painters around the globe.
Every country in the world has historical buildings and places that reminds the past and in our country also old cities and buildings entice people to visit and learn about them.
Abdul Jabbar's paintings on jute show his good knowledge of nature and structure which helps him create cityscapes as well as old architectures so passionately.
He affectionately paints the many known sights but with unusual approach. Having a flavor of local culture his most fascinating paintings are the ones portraying quiet alleys of the old city with old historical silent structures perched with white beautiful pigeons.
He fully captures the beauty of historical façades of buildings. The trees, grass and bushes sprouted within these old structures enhance the pleasing environment of the place while pretty white radiant pigeons gives a refreshing look to his paintings.
He vividly captures the textures and patina left on the old walls by the passage of time. The narrow street scene from his cityscapes, hanging electric wires with resting sparrows, flying birds high in the blue sky with floating clouds and human figures strolling in the dark alleys give a glimpse of everyday life.
He explores other scenarios of the city, the areas which are not too noisy or crowded, but rather quieter residential areas. His mundane but powerful depiction of everyday life attracts others towards his work.
He mostly prefers to paint evening or night scenes. He skillfully plays with light and shade to give life to his paintings. Creative manipulation and coordination of light and shadow makes his artworks aesthetically pleasing. The airy windows, high wind catchers and wide arches bring back the memories of old times.
The paintings of historical places and buildings help keeping alive past in present and also it's tradition for the future generation. He visualizes very eagerly the entire composition of his paintings to the minute details with humans, objects, shapes, colours, and structures formations.
The themes of his paintings interest people, as they are derived from the circumstances or events that have touched the lives of common people. People often visit these sites and spend time there appreciating and learning about these beautiful buildings and their habitat. And hence the paintings involve each viewer in a mysterious ways.
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