Rhythmic Illusion by Salman Farooqi

A colourful exhibition titled ‘Rhythmic Illusion’ by Salman Farooqi was inaugurated at Artscene Gallery.
Almost 40 paintings by the artist are on display for the delight of art enthusiasts.
The artist has focused on three objects; trees, architectural structures and boats. These objects give birth to his peculiar landscapes, to be more precise, landscapes, cityscapes and seascapes. He limits the dominant points with square dabs of paint on habitats and trees. That makes his work semi abstract and semi realistic.
An untitled painting by the artist depicts a lot of small fishing boats anchored at the harbour. In the background there are larger ships anchored in deep waters.
Farooqi has used dark colours in the painting with sophisticated strokes, complete with the reflection in the shimmering water.
The boats are not ebbing and floating on the waves; rather resting at the shore. However some are painted far away on the horizon as the sun, sets low.

In another painting the artist has depicted a squatter settlement, moon shimmering above the closely bunched up houses and clothes hanging outside.
The artist has presented an age-old scene in a new light. The houses are painted in the dull blue of the night, anchored to the darker electricity polls, again giving an impression of boats.
In an almost similar painting, the artist has added a mosque to the scene. A particular feature in his art works is the moon-disc, which is not shaped as a regular circle. Rather it is a hexagon with soft corners. It is visible in almost all of his paintings, whether he has rendered the setting sun, or a full moon. The sun he makes is a part of his painting style. He stylises geometric forms to make scenes.
The painting of the forest, reflected in the river and a shiny bright background is perhaps one of the best in the collection.
His abstract, cubist approach is a treat for many art critics, for whom his brush is a magic wand, and canvases a symphony of myriad coloured planes. The imagery is capable of influencing the viewer’s mind to accept or reject his perceptions.
A graduate of Karachi School of Art, Farooqi has, long ago, left behind the path of imitating nature or trying to produce a replica of what he sees around. The magical talent of making alike gave him the power over objects; with this power, he gives new appearance to recognisable objects. Advancing from one similarity to another, he arrives at an ever-increasing wealth of abstractions. His abstractions often express a connection or relationship with the real object. Nature is reflected through his abstractions. Be it poetry, prose or painting, escape from the reality is impossible.
Talking to Daily Times, Salman Farooqi said, “Due to our society’s deteriorating law and order situation I focused on small and beautiful themes, that are present around us. My painting provides relaxation to spectators.”
The exhibition will continue until May 28.

(DailyTimes)

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