KARACHI: Gardens in art, generally, symbolise growth and closeness to beauty. In the larger context, the munificent aspect of nature is also invoked. But if you add a touch of mystery to them, they assume a slightly different, arguably more interesting, shape. A group show titled Garden of Arcane Delights that concludes on Friday at the Art Chowk Gallery has both these elements: mystery and beauty.

The title is taken, one thinks, from the name of an album by an Australian band called Dead Can Dance known for its dark, atmospheric music. It talks of ‘garden’ as the world having fountains and trees, with the primal man as its centre. That being noted, the exhibition goes a few steps ahead to examine, through a variety of artworks, the spiritual side of the subject which is inextricably attached to the physical facet to all tangible things — mainly living beings.

Why does one say this? Answer: the exhibits on view touch upon themes such as the continuum of life or the importance of art [of storytelling] in our collective lives. Although some of it is done by visiting history, it has an air of timelessness about it which makes the arcane or enigmatic features of this world — this garden — more appealing to the senses. Therefore, they become a tad more understandable.

All of that is done using different kinds of media. This, in turn, allows the viewer to receive a diverse and powerful visual treat (read: delight). But then, again, the question springs to mind: why is it important to unearth the mysteries of existence? Aren’t some unsaid words sound more eloquent than the said ones? Heard melodies are sweet but those unheard are sweeter, said Keats. That is the point where the exhibition, curated by Babar Moghal, becomes super intriguing the way a group display should.

The artists who took part in the show were: Ahsan Ahmed, Babar Moghal, Fizza Aslam, Hezbar Ahmed, Inshal Tahir, M4HK, Rimsha Talpur, Samra Mansoor, Syeda Shiza Ali, Ujala Khan and Umaina Khan.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2024