Lahore’s Ejaz Gallery recently came alive with Resurgence, a spectacular show of paintings featuring the diverse ramifications of figurative art in Pakistan. Artworks of 50 artists, each contributing a maximum of two paintings, brought forth a variety of styles, expressions and mediums.

From colourful abstractions to super realistic renditions, the exhibition came across as a celebration of the human form and also of humanity. It brought forth a positive affirmation of the fact that Pakistani artists have managed to sweep away the negative, obscurantist notions that had threatened the growth of the genre of figurative art in the not too distant past.

Amongst the realists we see ‘ordinary’ individuals finding centre-stage in the work of Ahsan Jamal, Syed Arslan Naqvi, Ghazi Sikander, Jamil Baloch, Zakir Baloch Khan, Hifza Khan and Kisa Fatima. Whether it is the individual portrait of a young brick kiln worker by Jamal, or the group portraits of street children being observed by Naqvi, one can feel the artist’s endearing concern for the oppressed classes of society.

A more aesthetically astute take on realism can be seen in the renderings of Ali Azmat, Usman Khalid, Irfan Ahmed, Tanveer Farooq, Ali Hammad, Durre Waseem, Maliha Azami Aga, Shahnawaz Zaidi, Saeed Akhtar, Javed Iqbal Mughal and Maham Gul, as well as Faiz Supro.

Azmat’s monochrome portraits with a hint of colour are awe inspiring as are the super realistic, ‘old master’ style portraits in oil paints by Hammad. Brilliant colours and compositions continue to be the forte of Aga and Waseem, as is their expertise in the spontaneous and quick brush strokes typical of the alla prima style of painting.

A mammoth exhibition showcases Pakistani artists who have managed to sweep away the negative notions that had threatened the growth of figurative art in the country

A combination of realistic painting with symbolism is apparent in the painterly expression of Rahat Naveed Masood, Najia Azmat, Asif Hussain, Sumera Jawad, Iqra Ayyaz, Saba Haroon, Sana Nezam, Seema Mangi, Zarmina Aslam, Marwah Hafiz, Mehwish Shaukat, Muhammad Hussain, Shazma Arshad, Hamama Bushra and Muhammad Sulaman. Most of these artists have also indulged in a rather mesmerising decorative aesthetic, often making use of ornate patterns and striking colour schemes.

Artists who choose to relegate figurative art to highly colourful, stained glass like pattern-making include Abrar Ahmed and A.S. Rind. Lyrical stylisation of the female form, surrounded by traditional motifs, is the signature style of Hajra Mansoor, Shanzay Mir and Babar Azeemi, while Iqbal Durrani attempts to copy the style of the late Jamil Naqsh.

Expressionism finds its way into the works of Farukh Shahab, Khalid Khan Kaay and Jamal Shah, with an element of angst apparent in the distorted figures. Mansur Rahi, Mashkoor Raza and Maqbool Ahmed’s paintings are typical abstract works, with varying emphasis on the elements of design, be it line, colour or space.

A surreal take on figuration is prominent in the mixed media works of Husnain Awais and in the complex oil paintings of Hira Siddique. The neon coloured, pop-art style portraits of Aun Raza, and the intriguing compositions of Umair Shahzad are both quirky in their appeal.

Perhaps the most prominent feature of this exhibition is the technical expertise and painterly brilliance displayed by the artists. The mesmerising jewel-like colours, the convincing realism and the predilection for brilliant pattern-making reigns supreme in this mammoth exhibition. It indicates both a creative escape from, as well as an admirable affirmation for, the spirit of life and humanity, especially keeping in view the depressing social scenarios of today.

If art is life and life is art, as the saying goes, we still have much to celebrate in Pakistan.

“Resurgence” was held at Ejaz Gallery in Lahore from April 2, 2021 till April 15, 2021

Published in Dawn, EOS, May 9th, 2021