Pop art: Telling part of the story

Published October 5, 2014
King’s selfie
King’s selfie

After his graduation from the National College of Arts in 2006, the accomplished and articulate artist, Aakif Suri’s paintings have been shown in numerous exhibitions in Pakistan and abroad. His training as a miniaturist is evident in his impeccable use of the media in artwork that is totally contemporary in perception and in size.

Showing work in several series at the newly opened Sanat Gallery, Karachi, his theme appears to be the universal problem of the times; the insular tendencies of various groups who find it hard to accept and live with others, perhaps encouraged by the agenda of self-serving powers.

Explaining his work, Suri states, “Some of the pieces are based on experimentation with blending traditional working techniques of miniature painting, with contemporary and modern tools and mediums available. The melding of influences and methods symbolises how interconnected we truly are, despite our projected differences. I create circumstances around me so that I can paint what I see, knowing that I cannot fully see. A part of the story has not been told …”


Aakif Suri blends traditional working techniques of the miniature painting with contemporary tools and mediums


A series of six gouaches on wasli paintings titled ‘Now you see me’ depicts portraits of humans encased in glass jars, seemingly filled with water and becoming increasingly abstract. A metamorphosis ensues and the facial features are lost and finally replaced by a jar of spouting hair that fills and overflows the glass container.

Viewing Suri’s work, an audience may evoke different interpretations, but no opinion differs on the artistry of the pieces.

I am fish
I am fish

A triptych titled ‘Inside out’ worked with coloured pencil and spray paint on wasli, proved to be enigmatic, perhaps a reference to the ancient school of ‘Vanitas’ found valid in modern times as one explored the densely textured skull erupting with orange matter and a glimpse of a shadowy form in the eye cavity. The triptych continued with a corresponding object and eventually became a bowl like object topped with layers of orange hues spilling over into fine blue lines.

A large spray paint and gouache artwork ‘I am fish’ touched on surrealism as the fish appeared to be hanging lengthwise from a cross. In several ancient cultures fish were a symbol of a sacramental feast and musing on this, one noticed that, as in all his work, the handling of his media and brush are sure and atmospheric.

He creates varied dialogues for the viewer’s response by creating recognisable objects with the eye of a contemporary painter. Viewing the work one discovers — or perhaps imagines — various references to human anatomy; the eye of the fish containing a story of it own.

Then one discovers the ‘Wishful series’. Three beautifully worked pieces that continue the theme with ‘fish’ carved and painted with delicate patterns using gouache on wasli. Suri continues the series with bejewelled crustaceans floating near the chair while lesser creatures hover around the chair in this underwater world.

‘Untitled’ is a white on white, impeccably elegant carving on wasli of the heavily cushioned chaise longue, an empty entity waiting to be filled. The ‘selfie’ is very much a part of the claim to (or wish for) celebrity of modern times.

One is besieged by photos of individuals taken by them and passed around particularly on Facebook thanks to mobiles or mini cameras. The artist incorporates this aspect in the work titled ‘King’s selfie’. Here we have an important work of art, carved and painted with gouache on wasli in which the artist alludes to numerous references.

The king seen in one view gorgeously apparelled in a garment of many colours, while another view reveals the bare outline of the figure, a hint at the story of the Emperor’s new clothes perhaps.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 5th, 2014

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