MA Bukhari exhibits ‘Ism-e-Azam’

Known for his large canvases, broad strokes and vibrant colours that signify his creativity and aesthetic sensibilities, Karachi-based artist, Muhammad Ali Bukhari aka MA Bukhari is showcasing 21 of his calligraphic pieces in an exhibition titled ‘Ism-e-Azam’ today (February 7) at the Gallery Louvre. One of the striking features of Bukhari’s work is the use of acrylic paint on canvas for painting the 99 names of Allah in different colours and sizes to mark the Holy Month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Bukhari describes beauty through his painting techniques and blends modern art magnificently with cultural and religious values.
“The artist uses the paint quite generously, applying it in thick layers with an abandon that is eye-catching and bewildering at the same time,” said Saleem Lalani, the curator of the Gallery Louvre.
“Calligraphy is a great Muslim heritage which needs to be preserved and promoted, especially among the younger generation and such exhibition of calligraphic works are a contribution in this regard,” Lalani added.
The innovative collection, portraying the true spirit of Islam, peace, love, kindness and harmony for all human beings touched the heart of art lovers.
Bukhari said he felt spiritual satisfaction in writing verses.
He has emerged as a powerful landscapist, calligrapher and semi-abstract compositionist. A former student of the Karachi School of Arts, Bukhari branched out into consummate impressionist style of painting during his two-year training at Rome’s Albuman School of Arts.
It was there that he started his international journey and garnered fame for using vibrant colours. In time he became just as famous abroad as he is at home.
For his current exhibition, he also deftly employed the impasto method of applying oil colours in thick layers, densely daubed on canvas with a palette knife, a clear reflection of the influence of his Italian training.
His short stint with Ismail Gulgee also developed his artistic sensibilities that have made him something of an extension of Gulgee. His training under the master painter is also reflected in all his subjects.
In order to give a better visual impact of calligraphy in his ‘Ism-e-Azam’ composition, Bukhari designed a scalpel like pen to engrave letters into layers of oil colors. This technique paid off well as each work acquired sharply delineated aesthetic decorative depth which swells each letter and works as a whole, making his art work more enjoyable.
Bukhari has had 16 solo exhibitions among other group exhibits at home and abroad. In a reply to a question he admitted: “I have to learn and practice a lot in order to go on painting well in a style that reflects and re-enforces what I really want to do in visual arts.”
Bukhari has also significantly combined modernism and Arabic words, resulting in art work that is a statement in itself that ‘Islam and Modernism’ put together yield aesthetic results and do not oppose each other.
The calligraphy exhibition will continue at the Gallery Louvre till February 21.