The book by distinguished art historian Dr Akbar Naqvi discloses the painting journey of artist Shahid Rassam, which led him to drawings and sculptures also. Shahid divided his journey in three periods. The "Romanticism to Poetic Surrealism" period covers poetry of Ahmed Faraz to Jaun Elia to Mirza Ghalib, the second period titled "The Oldest Profession Series", which he created while studying in London. And the third period was triggered by a stroll with a commercial sex worker at Kings Cross captioned "Business and Economics".
These all periods are discussed in detail in the book with photographs of paintings and portraits, drawings and sculptures of the relevant period of his work and life.
Shahid is considered as modern contemporary artist but his major work is done on the poetry of famous poets of the East. Although the book is about an artist's work and life it is laden with poetry of Ahmed Faraz, Jaun Elia and Mirza Ghalib. As Shahid has much interest in poetry he mostly paints on the themes of various couplets and verses of these poets. He translates the poems of these celebrated poets into line and colour. Mirza Ghalib's poetry continuously appeared in different paintings in his journey from the beginning showing Shahid's conscious and subconscious inspiration from Mirza Ghalib.
The book consists of many portraits of famous people from all walks of life - literary, political, social, actors and family.
He made portraits of political personalities such as Hilary Clinton and the respectable Hazel McCallion, who is the world's longest serving mayor to dedicate her services to the society.
She is the mayor of Mississauga, Ontario for 34 years, holding office since 1978. The portraits of artist Naseer Uddin Shah and actress Raakhi were also included in the book. And portraits of poets such as Jaun Elia, Gulzar and Fazil Jamili also grace the book.
While going though the book and his paintings I realised his interest in poetry and literature also helps him in pursuing art career as he becomes more sensitive towards people and society as a whole.
The book revealed his life and education abroad and his interaction with artists of various countries and many cultures. He continuously study art and culture and read articles and papers on the subject to gain knowledge and attends conferences and exhibitions of other artists.
Shahid Rassam was born in Hyderabad and when he was three, his family moved to Karachi. Here in the City of Lights, he got his lively and bustling personality as he grew up in a literature loving atmosphere that further nourished his talent with poetry and colour. Initially the artist inside him was nurtured by his creative mother who taught him about paint and life and also let him imagine life with a new perspective.
He developed skills through inspiration from great masters from whom he have crossed his paths. These personalities are the likes of world renowned calligraphers and painters and poets such as Sadequain, Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi, Jaun Elia and Iqbal Mehdi.
Hence over the years he very successfully conveys his cynical views and opinions on different matters, like commercialism and human relationships in our society. And his unique palette having vivacious hues shows his boldness and creativity depth.
Surrealism prevail his artworks included in the book consisting masks and clocks symbols which represent life and time.
A dark female figure and an animal face figure recur in his paintings, in various positions and in different compositions thus reminding again and again the many roles of a human being.
The book has an interesting account of Shahid's first painting sale. He said "Imran Khan bought my first painting. The agreed price being ten thousand rupees, but only seven thousand was paid. I came across that painting on a wall in a Parisian home whose owner was anxious to know the painter's identity."
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Book: "Sense and Insanity"
Author: Dr Akbar Naqvi
Publisher: Rassam Studio
Pages: 229
Price: NA
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