Exhibition: Celebrating the sacred

Published October 2, 2016
‘In the Cave’
‘In the Cave’

“The titles of the paintings are inspired by the sacred nature of the American West,” elaborated Mumtaz Khan Mumtaz during an exhibition of his work titled ‘West’ at the Koel Gallery, Karachi. He’s travelled extensively across the Midwestern and Southwestern United States and observed sacred Indian practices and rituals there. “There has been a complete transformation over the last 150 years after the white colonizers came and fought to eliminate the indigenous people, gradually replacing them,” he added.

His landscapes ‘Crazy Men in Summer Night’, ‘Bear Lodge’ and ‘Jalwa: Day’ introduce the use of symmetry that morphs into scenarios with depth and an organic distribution of elements. What emerges is a tranquil arrangement that appeases the soul.

“I maintain a focal point in my works which is akin to the heart,” elaborates Mumtaz, “I use traditional techniques to depict contemporary history, contrary to some artists, who under western influence, tend to pursue photorealism, renaissance and baroque techniques.”


Murad Khan Mumtaz’s work focuses on spreading the need for peace by shedding light on the suffering of the Native Americans


His symbolic paintings titled ‘Winter’, ‘Summer’, ‘Holy Well’, ‘Kiva’ and ‘Revelation’ serve as a pleasant respite among his other skillfully rendered works. The motifs depicted in these paintings are native to the sacred tenements of the Native Americans.

‘Crazy Men in Summer Night’
‘Crazy Men in Summer Night’

The colours of Mumtaz’s paintings are unquestionably unique. “For over four years, I have researched pre-colonial recipes used in producing different colors from naturally-occurring materials,” explained the artist, “Some examples are indigo, sindhoor, gold and cinnabar”. He also uses the best quality of paper used for wasli making. “There is only one surviving family in Rajasthan that is producing and supplying genuine handmade paper for miniaturists,” says Mumtaz, “Commercially available papers are not suitable for such paintings”. The artist opts to compose and paint in the Pahari technique which employs flatter, brighter colors with a more simplified rendering as compared to the Mughul style.

Mumtaz is an alumnus of the National College of Arts and Columbia University in New York City. He is currently doing his PhD in ‘South Asian art history’ at the University of Virginia, USA.

‘West’ is being exhibited at the Koel Gallery from September 20th to October 6th 2016

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 2nd, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.