Colours of enlightenment

LAHORE, April 14: An exhibition of sculpture and paintings by Abdul Jabbar Gul opened at Drawing Room Art Gallery near Liberty roundabout on Thursday. The artist has used a variety of media to explore and represent complex notions of time, movement and thought, the past and future, the real and imagined. Most of Gull's work focused on the tension between physical and psychological dimensions carrying a certain symbolic quality. The artist uses the 'takhti' or slate — a folksy symbol of knowledge and learning adorned with a universal script. Commenting on the exhibition, Sanam Taseer said: "Through this body of work we get a glimpse into the diversity of the artist and his mastery of different materials – paint, wood, brass and iron. The work of Abdul Jabbar Gull focuses on the universal experience of enlightenment that goes beyond religion or culture. "We see the inclusion of religious imagery as well as the use of a universal script. It implies that meditation and spiritual enlightenment should be a process that unites rather than divides us all." The artist in his statement said: "For me the main sources of inspirations are humanity, spiritual belief, politics and human beings, especially ordinary people. I call them 'ordinary souls' and I am one of them so I endeavour to express their common sufferings, grief and relationships on individual and collective levels." The exhibition will remain on display till May 12.