Sayeda M Habib’s latest exhibition ‘Mitti’, displayed at Canvas Gallery in Karachi, is an exploration of the interconnectedness between the spiritual and the terrestrial, serving as an endeavour that melds ancient wisdom with contemporary artistic expression.

The series encapsulates Habib’s philosophical engagement with the natural world, reflecting her reverence for mitti [earth] as both a material and a metaphor for creation and existence. The central ethos of the exhibition is underpinned by a verse from Surat al-Anam in the Quran, which speaks to the creation of humanity from clay, thus highlighting a theme central to Habib’s work — the sacredness of the earth.

Habib’s process involves the use of natural hand-ground pigments derived from rocks, and her technique of allowing wet clay to dry naturally on plates reflects a deep engagement with the material’s intrinsic properties. This method mirrors natural processes, where receding waters leave sediment exposed to the air, hence creating intricate topographies in the process.

This phenomenon is vividly captured in Habib’s Landmass series, where horizontal ellipses framed by blues and greens evoke aerial views of landscapes, rich with the patchwork of cultivated land.

Natural elements and spiritual connections take centre stage in Sayeda M Habib’s artworks

The artist’s exploration of sacred symbols and natural forms is evident in her compositions, which often feature oval boundaries. This shape is significant, as it represents wholeness and continuity, aligning with the artist’s view of the earth as a sacred space where the celestial and the subterranean meet. This is most apparent in the Sacred Earth series, where the cubical Ka’aba lies at the heart of each painting, like an ever-fixed mark, all while the world and nature change around it.

Her painting Chi is a visual meditation on the concept of life force, capturing the dynamic flow and vitality that permeates all living beings. Through the interplay of vibrant hues, intricate geometric patterns and an idyllic garden setting, Habib translates the invisible currents of energy into a tangible, visual experience.

In contrast, Water of Love explores the fluidity and depth of human emotions, using softer, more organic forms and a calming palette to evoke the nurturing and transformative qualities of love. Both paintings showcase Habib’s ability to merge the abstract with the elemental, creating works that resonate with both spiritual depth and aesthetic harmony.

Habib’s artworks Underworlds I-IV delve into the metaphysical realm of the hidden, or baatin. Here, darkness is not to be feared but is embraced as a gestation chamber for life, a mystical counterpart to the realm of light. The semi-formed shapes in these works hint at nascent bodies, roots and rivers, hence presenting a narrative that celebrates creation’s nourishing aspects.

By grounding her art in ancient wisdom and natural materials, Habib creates a powerful testament to the enduring bond between humanity and the earth. This collection highlights the beauty and complexity of the natural world, while also calling for a deeper awareness and respect for the ground beneath our feet.

‘Mitti’ was on display at Canvas Gallery in Karachi from May 28-June 6, 2024

The writer is an artist and educator

Published in Dawn, EOS, June 23rd, 2024