ISLAMABAD: Satrang Gallery recently hosted the opening of ‘I Dissolve You, Just by Being’, a group exhibition featuring the work of eight emerging artists, curated by Robella Ahmed.

The event was inaugurated by Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Pakistan Catherine Weibel.

Founder Director of Satrang Gallery Asma Khan said: “In a contemporary time where digital connectivity is superseding personal relationships and connections, this exhibition explores the continual tangible and intangible influences of our material and transient surroundings upon ourselves and our experiences.”

Catherine Weibel praised the exhibition, stating, “It was really a privilege to see this exhibition. There are a lot of young artists from all over Pakistan, and it is very striking to see how beautiful these paintings are in terms of technique and equally powerful in the messages they convey.”

She continued, “There is art that builds on miniature painting, which has a long tradition in Pakistan, but also modern painting. Every painting has a message; every painting is telling us something, whether it is about cultural heritage or the importance of expressing ourselves, for women to participate.”

Curator Robella Ahmed explained the theme of the exhibition, saying, “Dissolving refers to the process through which boundaries and structures gradually break down, signifying a transformation that blends elements into a unified whole. In an era where change is rapid and often uncontrollable and our identities are ever-changing, dissolution represents the constant reformation of self.”

The exhibition featured a diverse group of young artists focusing on themes of memory, loss, displacement, decay and ephemeral experiences, with the sense of self as a central motif.

Fatima Kaleem, a Lahore-based visual artist, who majored in printmaking from the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, and Hamza bin Faisal, who graduated with distinction in 2022 from the NCA Department of Fine Arts, showcased work spanning digital art, traditional drawing, miniature painting, printmaking, sculpture and photography.

Irfan Abdullah, also an NCA graduate, presented work capturing human experiences through the accumulation and manipulation of materials and cultural ideologies. He created life-size installations and figurative sculptures, imbuing everyday objects with meaning.

Irfan Channa, born in Shikarpur and a 2019 NCA graduate, works in multiple mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture and photography. His work explores the wonders and mysteries of nature and its connection to human memory.

Moin Rehman, who was born in Bahawalpur and studied architecture and visual communication design before earning a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, added distinctive features to his work through his multidisciplinary knowledge.

Ramsha Haider, a distinguished graduate in Miniature Fine Arts from NCA, focused on the search and exploration of self. Sumbal Sultana, who completed her BFA at the College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab, and is currently a lecturer in Fine Arts at Government Fatima Jinnah Graduate College for Women, Lahore, also contributed to the exhibition.

Umna Laraib, born in Rohri, earned her BFA with distinction from NCA, majoring in Miniature Painting and taking Art Writing, Performance Art, and Calligraphy as minor subjects.

Visitor Mizayil Aziz Rana said Hamza’s work was incredible, so inspiring and so delicately made.

Mohsinur Rehman Baig said the art came from a place of true skill and imagination, while Fahad Tariq admired Moin Rehman’s delicate penmanship.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024