ART FACTS: Reflections and refractions

Maqbool Ahmed is basically a landscape painter and is very much inspired by the legendary landscape painter, Khalid Iqbal. But going through his artworks I sense that his work shows an entirely unique and distinct style other than his teachers. He has acquired a diverse mode of painting to distinguish himself among his contemporaries. In his recent exhibition at Fine Arts Pakistan, Karachi he creates a vague ambiance through reflections as well as refractions of his subjects.
An aura of mystery is formed by the reflections within reflections and the object and subject diffuse in those various reflections making it impossible to identify the real subject. His work is full of colours and with a compatible surrounding. His work is conceptual in which he portrays social issues regarding women. He uses symbols such as locks and chains, shadows and reflections, mirrors and cubes to enhance his point of view.
Soft and enlightened female images unveil emotional and intellectual dilemmas of women. He has taken old concepts and evolves them into unique ideas. The treatment, tones and values of his paintings portray deep soothing and absorbing thoughts. Some moments away from the real world, deviating from the usual and entering the new world - a world of distinctive sensation and visual appeal.
An unseen energy is felt while having an eye contact with his paintings. The alluring female images reflecting again and again on the canvas create a melody of its own. The crystalline geometrical shapes give a new angle to his work. He apply vivacious colours in his own way the pleasing hues of blue, green, red, yellow and ochre are well balanced with the darkness of black and brightness of white. Each painting has a detail composition harmonious to the reflections and refractions of his thoughts.
The tales of emotions and reactions of different events unfold on his canvases showing endurance by women through the veiled and unveiled compositions. Figures mingled with symbols depict human complexities and unspoken emotions. He discusses fundamental questions about the role of women in our society, her behaviours and others behaviour towards her. He captures various contemplative moods and expressions of women and thus shares their expressive moments.
He paints female figures mostly because the subject inspires him the most. The vibrant, colourful and figurative forms dominate his canvases. He provides an insight of moments faced by women because of societal, mental, physical or cultural constraints which they could not express.
The intense emotions portrayed in his works in vibrant colours create stimulation because of its fragile beauty. He paints bold figures, busts and bodies halved or full length figures sitting, lying and standing in bright and light colours. He barely leaves any empty space on the canvas and paints every corner with bold strokes of oranges, reds, bright yellows and blues which also symbolises in a way the colourful veil those women has wrapped around them in order to hide their real miseries.
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