Colin David’s painting ‘Ghazala’ is a prime example of the artist’s stylish fusion of geometric optical art with figurative realism. A square screen of black and white stripes converging in the centre offset the simply rendered figure to dramatic advantage. The vertical bars of the chair intersecting the black horizontal lines meld and merge with the fluid linear pattern on the model’s blouse to create a space of multiple rhythms. This intense activity is counter balanced by the flat inert expanse below. A small concentric ball in the distance reconnects with patterned medley above.

David was Pakistan’s premier figurative painter and recognized primarily for his vast repertoire of paintings often referred to as ‘Colin’s Nudes’. He painted the educated contemporary woman of today and his subjects were statuesque, confident and totally self-centred and exuded a distinct aura of modernity. — S.A.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, June 8th, 2014