Depicting personal perceptions of rapidly changing political and social fronts through a series of reliefs might be termed as breaking the stereotype. True or not, Saba Iqbal has crafted thought-provoking reliefs in a variety of guises under the title ‘Guise-Disguise’, on display at the Canvas Art Gallery until January 5. The artist, a faculty member at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVSAA), has successfully delivered a narrative through the figures, also playing protagonist in the tale of global change. The art pieces included in the collection could be sub-grouped into two units: drawings on paper using graphite, and wood and metal reliefs.
An IVSAA graduate herself, Iqbal specialises in the mediums of wood, metal and clay, and has added significance to the exhibited work by adding symbols such as locks, bullets and eyeglasses. In the 12 drawings, the artist has commented on the rising violence, wars and our lack of concern for these issues. For people on the same page as Iqbal would agree that the reliefs and drawings shed light on what has become the language of our customary lives. However, for those who disagree, the exhibition is a hint towards the quick turn the social and political happenings are taking, if not towards a reality check in its core.
Photos courtesy Canvas Art Gallery
