'Scattered Tears’, a solo show by Sharjil Baloch held at the Alliance Francaise, Karachi, was a testament to resilience and was inspired by the landscapes of Sindh and Balochistan — where, even in the face of the devastation caused by recent floods, hope finds a way to shine through.

In the deliberate choreography of raindrops painted upon the watercolour sheet, Baloch employs a strategic artistry that beckons the observer to engage intimately with his artworks, such as Grey and Grim, and After the Storm I and II.

At times, I found myself instinctively wanting to wipe away the droplets of rain delicately resting on the sheet — a reflex aimed at revealing a clearer vision of the underlying view. Yet, this impulse was intentionally thwarted by the artist’s craft.

With great intent, Baloch orchestrates a nuanced encounter with his art. Instead of offering an immediate, unobstructed view, he compels the spectator to embark on a quest to dig beyond that which initially appears beautiful. This deliberate obstruction serves as a metaphorical veil, concealing layers of pain and despair beneath the seemingly serene surface.

The painted droplets obscuring Sharjil Baloch’s recent watercolours serve as a metaphorical veil, concealing layers of pain and despair beneath the seemingly serene surface

In the artworks Sapphire Evening and Laden Morning, the raindrops become symbolic gatekeepers of a profound narrative. Here, the interpretation of the raindrops takes on multifaceted dimensions. Upon first viewing, they may appear as mere water droplets, a transient obstruction to visual clarity. Yet, from a different perspective, these same droplets morph into tears.

The duality lies in the observer’s gaze and in the layers of personal connection woven into the fabric of the artwork. The obscured view becomes an invitation to scrutinise and discern the concealed emotions within.

Baloch’s deliberate tactic challenges the conventional notion of art appreciation, inviting the viewer to participate actively in the unravelling of meaning. The beauty he conceals within the layers demands a discerning eye, and a contemplative spirit willing to delve into the complexities embedded in every stroke.

In The Seen and the Unseen I and II, Baloch crafts an immersive experience that transcends the visual. It becomes a tactile encounter, a yearning to touch and engage physically with the oeuvre, disrupting the traditional boundaries between spectator and art. The deliberate tactic becomes a dialogue — a silent conversation between the artist and the observer, mediated by raindrops as both obstacles and conduits to understanding.

Ultimately, the beauty Baloch conceives is not a fleeting, superficial allure. Instead, it is a beauty that emerges from the depths of adversity and is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The raindrops, whether perceived as being obstructive or tear-like, become symbolic of the multifaceted nature of beauty — one that is intricately interwoven with pain and, paradoxically, serves as a source of solace.

As we delve into Baloch’s work, we are compelled to draw parallels with the legacy of artists who wielded watercolours as a medium to convey the complexities of the human experience. J.M.W. Turner and Winslow Homer, masters of the craft, navigated the delicate dance between control and spontaneity, much like Baloch does in his evocative compositions.

Baloch’s layers of pigment, carefully applied, create a mysterious depth that mirrors the intricate tapestry of emotions experienced by those affected. Each stroke becomes a part of the narrative, unravelling a story of loss, resilience and, ultimately, renewal. The artist’s adept use of colour not only captures the pain and void but also beckons viewers to unravel the hidden elements of hope and life within.

In this expansive narrative, Baloch transcends the boundaries of traditional representation. His watercolours become a medium through which he articulates the profound resilience of a community facing adversity.

‘Scattered Tears’ is not merely a visual feast — it is a testament to the transformative power of art, offering both solace and inspiration in the face of life’s storms.

‘Scattered Tears’ was on display at the Alliance Francaise, Karachi from December 7-8, 2023

The writer is a Karachi-based journalist who writes about art and entertainment. She is also a media coordinator for the International Watercolour Society

Published in Dawn, EOS, December 24th, 2023