‘The Way’, an art exhibition by husband and wife Tariq and Natalia Kakar, showcasing Tariq’s dexterous sculptures and Natalia’s abstract and landscape paintings, opened at the Gallery Louvre on Saturday.
Natalia was born and educated in the state of Moldova, however she moved to Pakistan after her marriage with Tariq. Her art carries impressions from the land of her origin. Just as Moldova is a hub of Asian and European cultures, her art is a mixture of both as well. The vivid colours of her abstract landscapes and her palette knife technique are unbeatable.
Natalia’s work is currently being displayed in Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Romania, France and Pakistan. ‘The Way’ is her 19th exhibition at the Gallery Louvre. Natalia’s landscapes are grounded in reality and dominated by the seasons. The flowers and vases reflect femininity as well as her western origin. The exhibition also featured some figurative pieces by her, which added yet another dimension to her work.
“Once I start painting, I cannot stop the flow of colours on my canvas,” Natalia said. Her painting ideology is simple: a painting should make the onlooker happy.
The visitors to the exhibition greatly admired her work, while co-owners of the gallery Saleem Lalani and Alina Saeed remarked that Natalia’s paintings were fresh and replenished the art as well as artistic scene in the federal capital as she dares to break the traditional wall of art.
Tariq, a sculptor with enormous potential, has over 15 exhibitions and uncountable commissioned work to his credit. His work displays culture, mastery and a keen desire to observe and assimilate the laws of an art form that has been developed over the millennia.
Alina Saeed appreciated the work of Tariq, adding that Pakistan had many talented sculptors and the Gallery Louvre was trying its best to promote sculpture, a visual art which is still developing in the country.
Tariq was born and brought up in Balochistan and studied at the University of Moldova. He wanted to be a painter right from early childhood and would often be absorbed in playing with clay for hours. Tariq graduated from the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and furhter developed his professional skills as a postgraduate student at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture. Tariq’s work, unified by a single historical and philosophical drive, testifies to the master’s ceaseless search for new compositions, forms and devices and their skilful utilisation in the creation of image-bearing structures. An acutely personal perception of contemporary problems, a deep insight into the affairs of the world around him and a sharp understanding of the historical record of his own people endow Tariq’s search with an innovative and creative strive.
Most of Tariq’s work displays deep psychological treatment. The figures are well-placed, light and precise. The polished surface of bronze flashes and tints, and in turn, fortifies the impression of the form’s mobility.
Along with giving form to minor, round sculptures, the painter in him remains on the look-out for new images for the creation of monuments, landscape compositions and decorative forms. He pays special attention to the silhouette and outline. The art exhibition would continue at the Gallery Louvre (House no. 8, Street 41, F-6/1) till January 26, from 11 am to 7 pm.
