Work by self-taught artist goes on display at Nomad Gallery

Kamal Hyat is a free spirited artist whose canvases are richly textured. At an exhibition at the Nomad Art Gallery, the self-taught artist has created both, small and large vibrant and patterned paintings.

The display of paintings and drawings by the Lahore-based painter was inaugurated by the Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward and his wife Susan Heyward on Saturday. As many as 27 works, finished in acrylic on canvas and line work, were put up for display and were priced between Rs15,000 to Rs60,000.

Although Kamal Hayat has been painting since many years, it was not until 2006 that he held his first solo exhibition at the Nomad Gallery, followed by another at the World Bank Islamabad. Since then, he has not looked back and has had a further six exhibitions at art galleries throughout Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.

Art critic Quddus Mirza described Kamal Hyat as someone whose themes and sensitivity provided him a unique position in the art world. Similarly, Mian Ijazul Hassan claimed that “Kamal Hayat prefers to understate his paintings and whispers his thoughts and feelings, rather than declaring them out loud”.

The artworks include both paintings and line drawings in the local environment – a few of which were executed while traveling in the United States and Canada. His works differ from other artists and carry an imprint of their own.

Some of the works revolve around the present state of affairs.

Works like White Horse and Anguish were inspired by a book, based on the life of Christ, and reflect upon the suffering of mankind and how somebody can take a burden upon his or her shoulders.

In today’s gloomy state of affairs, the flowery patterns and birds symbolised hope.

“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, the dust will settle eventually and things will get better,” the artist explained to his guests.

The display also includes black and white line works, figures and portraits. These, too, are reflections of the subconscious and painted out of a desire to pursue the art.

Other works, such as Tranquility, The Lonely Child, Dining Alone and the Red Glasses are records of the artist’s thoughts, which he had experienced during his travels and otherwise.

The exhibition will remain open till September 21.

(dawn.com)