Derived from miniature painting - a conceptual art form, Professor Bashir Ahmad's work is basically comprises abstract colour compositions. His artistic efforts - whether in the realms of paintings, ceramics or sculpture forms - have earned him world-wide recognition and fame.
Professor Bashir Ahmad holds master's degrees in Fine Arts and Public Administration from the Punjab University. At present, he is the Principal of the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore. His book 'Remains of Ruins' deals with the subject of war and peace. The book explains the phenomena of war and the importance of peace and harmony for the mankind and the world alike through attractive vivid paintings, ceramics and sculptures printed in the book supporting his cause of peace.
The soft hues and rich patinas of his artworks portray a meaningful and convincing perception about war and peace. Unique forms and materials strikingly present state of brutal wars world-wide and not only show Bashir Ahmad's belief in change but also demonstrate his belief in the need for a consistent struggle for that change.
The book also throws light on the art career of Bashir Ahmad who received specialisation in Miniature painting with Mogul court painters' descendent Sheikh Shuja-Ullah and also from Patiala Gharana's Haji Sharif. He, therefore, he feels much more comfortable in miniature style.
Various shapes, images, textures and colours in his book convey a positive message of peace and love. His vivid works of art having strong expressions speak about violence, cruelty, terrorism and war, thus serve as a struggle against these humanity crimes.
The way he exposes the devastating effects of war and weapons of mass destruction is praiseworthy. He raises his voice for peace. He takes up the subject of nuclear assault against Japan. The focal point of the book is nuclear bombardment of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Red colour dominates his work, which symbolises bloodshed while the touch of white in his artworks represents peace and harmony.
The book conveys a message of peace, harmony and affection which is necessary for our co-existence. It emphasise to avoid such circumstances which led to the world wars, as past wars gave human beings nothing except grief, pain and instability. Therefore, we should prevent any initiation in that direction. Thus a global message is sent to all who love peace and prosperity.
The images of his works titled 'Female Figures in Disturbed Japanese Garden' indicates agony and suffering of the humans from radiation and destruction. It portrays the trauma of people that hit everybody regardless of their social status. Another work 'Leaves in Japanese Garden' shows crumpled leaves as nature has also been distressed by the effects of war; leaves in different colours indicate various adversities that affected the flora and fauna.
The diverse cultures and customs are portrayed in cities series in which the sculptures represent a random scatter of buildings with different heights to represent variations of culture and creed, titled 'Downtown City', 'Long City', 'Half City', Red City', and 'Green City'.
The chapter "Dinosaurs" deals with the sudden extinction of the dinosaurs which carries a vital message for the human race. Other chapters "Terror of War Frozen in Metal" and "Rampaged by War" discuss the perils of war and terrorism.
He uses all the mediums paintings, ceramics and sculptures to enhance his motive. The book can serve as a valuable reference book for future sculptors and ceramists. The book contains detail study and illustrated instructions on the processes involved in sculpture and ceramics making in the chapter titled "Working in the Metal Workshop" explaining the process of fixing, filing soldering, grinding, acid washing, finishing, etching, patination and polishing of copper, brass and steel.
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Book : 'Remains of Ruins'
Author : Professor Bashir Ahmad
Edited by : Rear Admiral (r) M S Kureshi SI (M)
Publisher : Topical Printers
Price : Rs 3500/=
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