Three generations of artists, working with a wide spectrum of materials and processes and diverse approaches to art making, have one thing in common; their deep rooted connections to Lahore. Whether way farers like David Alesworth from Britain, who chooses to make Lahore his home or Faiza Butt who resides in London, but returns continually to renew her bonds with passion, all four artists in the show represent Lahore’s beguiling spirit and fascinating hybridities.
Historically, Lahore has nurtured a visual tradition which encompassed the iconoclastic ‘moderns’ like Shemza, Shakir, and Ahmed Parvez alongside the classicist Chughtai, and the pedantic Ustad Allah Bux. Khalid Iqbal has quietly painted in and around the city, in which Sadeqain, also flamboyantly painted walls and ceilings, and Zahoorul Akhlaq mentored a whole new generation for the 21st century.
‘Return of the Native’, at Rohtas 2, in its ironical title, hints at this eclectic, generous and welcoming culture. It denotes an expansive visual art scene, in which Anwar Saeed’s intimate, brooding figurative works are content to share the intimate gallery space with Faiza Butt’s waspish, witty images of blundering males. The exhibition includes David Alesworth’s eloquent layerings of gardens and cities, which are delicate reminders of our multiple magical histories. Salman Toor, the youngest artist in “Return of the Native” works in the most traditional of mediums ie oil on canvas, which hold up a mirror to Lahore’s comfortable cocoon, sustained by those whose names do not appear on gilded invitation cards, silver plaques, or gated mansions.
‘Return of the native’ at Rohtas 2, offers viewers a chance to ponder on what draws artists to this city. It probes the impulse of the creative spirit which circumscribes the anguish, the bitterness, and the utter tenderness that Lahore evokes. The exhibition brings back to Lahore a fraction of the city’s own creativity. Rohtas 2 is a space dedicated to experimental new works located at 156-G, Model Town. The show, organised in collaboration with Lahore Literature Festival, is curated by Salima Hashmi and Asad Hayee. It opens on Feb 22 at 5 pm and runs until March 2, noon to 7 pm.
A special preview will be arranged for the Lahore Literary Festival 2013 speakers at 3:15 pm today (Friday).
