ART FACTS: Artistic expressions in black and white

Drawing is one of the basic media that allows an artist to satisfy his/her artistic endeavours. It is a simplest way to express his/her creativity. Abrar Ahmed's drawing exhibition titled "A Symphony in Line and Ink" at Ocean Art Galleries, Lahore also provides same satisfaction and self exploration to Abrar.
Line is the fundamental element of expression throughout human history. Abrar has also chosen this basic mean to produce visual representations. His recent drawings reflect his artistic expressions present in a variety of emotions, representations and themes that are explored during the lifetime of a woman. Culture and life experiences have relationship with what is being drawn.
During my visit on the invitation of Shafique Ahmed, Director, Ocean Art Galleries, Lahore to the show I experience a natural, indigenous and instinctive style of Abrar. The drawings show details - the men and women he draws show varying expressions and situations. Shapes and forms with shading are used to bring depth in the work. The marking of lines and areas of tone depict the environment and the complex circumstances he deals with in his work. His sensitive approach towards society enables him to create such drawings using ink and charcoal on paper and canvas.
He has done drawings in a series of figures which show sequences echoing stories within the drawings. His rendering of figures is different from others. He portrays the feminine form in black, grey and white and uses shades of black, grey with white to glamorise the simplicity of human body structure against a colourless background.
Achromatic but not dim he draws forms in an utmost simplistic manner and embellishes them with suggestive pen or charcoal strokes that further elaborate his work. The visions embedded in his mind take shape on paper and canvas in the form of drawings. The ideas come from scattered images that take shape on the paper as an alluring woman or a pensive lady.
The human emotions especially of woman are effectively portrayed through black and white drawings, devoid of colours yet attractive. The simple grey, black colour of Ink and charcoal convey his thoughts to the viewer thus sharing the beauty with others.
Among the drawings of smiling alluring young women revealing a new world of beauty there are some turban wearing men with grim faces in deep thoughts. The feminine beauty and strength both speaks of a desire for appreciation, admiration and love in his work.
He highlights the attire and heavy ornaments wear by the women of our region, which gives a deep meaning and understanding to his drawings. Some of the women wearing tehband with kurtas while the others wearing blouses and saris depicting a culture that surrounds us and keep our women intact with our values.
The wide eyed women busy in various chores of daily life can be seen in various situations in the drawings sometimes they are in a veranda, sometimes chatting in a garden, sometimes in a living room talking to a parrot, enjoying music, in pensive mood in front of a mirror and sometimes just gaze at the viewer. [email protected]