ART FACTS: Modern impression of an ancient theme

Inspired by a majestic animal of ancient times, Anjum Ayaz carved new dimensions of Indus Bull creating modern impression of an ancient theme. Titled "Indus Bull" his recent works on Hub stone, Sand stone and drawings in steel were on display at Momart Gallery, Karachi. His works are a tribute to the majestic Indus Bull.
Hundreds of square-shaped stamp seals were found in excavations from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, engraved with images of wild or domestic animals, humans, fantastic creatures. But the bull is the most popular animal motif on the Indus valley glyptic art - the art of engraving or carving, especially on precious stones. The impressions of bulls, horned bulls, buffaloes, and the Brahamanical bull with hump are common on the seals. There is strong likelihood that these seals were of religious significance. The worship of the "Sacred Bull" throughout the ancient world is most familiar to the world.
The bull is the subject of various other cultural and religious incarnations as well as modern mentions in new age cultures. The collection at the exhibition demonstrates a surge of creativity that has led to a lot of experimentation. Experimentation is a constant probe with countless probable possibilities that takes a person to an endless world.
For the first time he has sculpted Indus Bull series in modern contemporary form of sculptures. In a way he wants to pay tribute to the famously depicted animal in many forms by the Indus valley craftsman such as paintings, pottery, seals and sculptures. The Indus Bull also known as Zebu Bull symbolise the leader of the clan and strength. While viewing seals unearth from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro it is assumed that Zebu Bull probably represents the most powerful clan or top officials in those civilisations.
From olden times it is important to communicate with others and Anjum Ayaz finds sculpture medium serving this purpose best for him. He is one of the celebrated artists in the contemporary art scenario of Pakistan who belongs to Karachi School of Arts (KSA). Over four decades he is sculpting since he graduated in Fine Arts in 1970 from KSA. During sculpting the form seeks permanence in its inherent movement changing shapes assuming dimensions in the transient process. And to Anjum Ayaz form is a complete entity full of meaning.
He carves more universal feelings and concepts, rather than objects that go beyond representational images. Every sculpture is an adventure in the search for truth and beauty through the use of different colour stones and different mediums. Anjum Ayaz's sculptures, through a long creative journey, have now become increasingly subject oriented drawing attention of the public towards an issue and carving their views about that issue. He communicates with people through his art as he captures his feelings in the sculptures.
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