Tactile Journeys by Aqeel Solangi
Aqeel Solangi’s work encapsulates the journey of life depicting shapes and structures that live within the artist’s inner most thoughts.
His latest exhibition titled Tactile Journeys opened at Tanzara Gallery on Thursday evening and enthralled guests with the masterful rendering of mysticism, communicating collective world wisdom and optimism.
The Rawalpindi-based painter described his works to his guests on the opening day as ‘visual travelogues’, but the peregrination is an internal one.
Some 32 pieces narrate the story of a process of soul searching, capturing fleeting memories of the artist’s journey through time. His visuals evoke powerful emotions using subtle symbolism woven into complex multi-layered pieces on canvas and paper.
The surreal, dreamlike paintings invite the viewer into the inner world of the artist where time stands still and all is calm. The serenity of the blue skies and soft clouds make one feel like they are suspended in time.
Elaborating on the process behind the finished result, Aqeel Solangi said that his impressions and memories from different places fuse together on the canvas.
“The clouds in my paintings may be from an overcast morning in Rawalpindi and the architecture from China,” said Aqeel Solangi referring to one of his works that were inspired by the walls of the Forbidden City in China.
Aqeel Solangi employs various painting techniques from wide sweeping brush strokes to finer more detailed work. He skillfully treats various surfaces and textures and his use of colour in mixed media, acrylics and water colour is understated yet strong.
Darker backgrounds highlight tulips and buildings in the foreground. The religious symbolism combines thoughts from a variety of religions.
Extensively exhibited at home and abroad, Aqeel Solangi’s distinct style sets him apart from other modern artists. The painter seeks to unite the spirituality of people and cultures through his art.
Aqeel Solangi was the recipient of the NCA/Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust Art Bursary for the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London in 2006. Currently Aqeel Solangi works as a professor of Art at the National College of Arts Rawalpindi.
The show will continue till October 14.
