An artist of diversified skills and an inspiring icon Jimmy Engineer launched an exquisite biography "In Search of My Master: Jimmy Engineer" recently at Convention Centre, DHA Golf Club, Karachi. Written by noted art critic Marjorie Husain the book carries an account of Jimmy Engineer's journey as an artist and also includes a selected collection from thousands of artworks - calligraphy, paintings and drawings which he produced during his long career.
An exclusive exhibition of Jimmy Engineer's artworks prior to the official launch of the book provides an opportunity to the Karachiites to experience a large number of artworks of the renowned artist - the exhibition includes over 100 prints of his works.
As a senior artist Jimmy Engineer has carved his own niche in this field on the basis of sheer hard work, commitment and concentration. His sensibilities of form, texture and colour are par excellence.
Since the beginning of his career now and then he makes effort to update younger generation about their past by his paintings and drawings. The 1947 paintings series which refreshes the wounds of the people suffered during the independence days also serve this purpose.
This Pakistan Independence series of paintings on the theme of the great migration of the Muslims in the sub-continent in 1947 truly depicts the human miseries and tragic moments speaking loudly the sacrifices and struggle made by the millions of Muslims and hard earned independence. This series was aimed to educate our future generation so that they should get aware of its past.
Jimmy has drawn cultural and life experiences which have close relationship with each other and have long lasting affects on the lives of the people. His artistic work reflects the emotions, expressions, experiences and situations of the sufferers. His paintings are truly a mix of sentimental statements and emotions showing his command and strength on the medium to express.
During his long career of over thirty five years Jimmy creates a painting world with passion, translating human conditions and miserable souls into coloured imagery. His artworks are the expressions of compassion and deep love he had for his fellow beings.
Jimmy's art pieces exhibit amazing versatility. The minute details and bold brush strokes along with fine line work show his command on his work that can be judged by the variety of paintings he has done by using many different mediums and styles.
He had done painting in many different themes and styles such as landscapes, still-life, cultural, seascapes, calligraphy, miniature, abstract, historical, war, philosophical, architectural and portraits. His artistic performance has been acclaimed internationally particularly Pakistan Independence series.
His very sensitive but realistic approach towards society enables him to create such artworks. His works are often exploratory with considerable emphasis on observation, education and composition. His line work shows energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose. He produces extremely subtle value that increases dynamic of his creations.
His artworks have significant details that give extra dimensions to his work. He covers every angle of his subject big or small, thus giving a broader view to the viewers. He has worked on both large and small canvases and where he feels that too much detail of an image would be lost in a small size he has used a larger space to show his viewpoint.
There were huge canvas prints with beautiful impressions of landscapes, still-life and portraits others with an architectural theme portraying ancient brickwork, the decorative aspects of classic architecture. In a work he has detailed ancient seasoned brickwork, the decorative aspects of classic architecture, and myriad classic motifs and designs. In some of the paintings he has juxtaposed famous buildings from different countries portraying diverse cultures at one place thus showing 'unity' - a message of peace and tolerance for all mankind.
Jimmy has done a lot of works depicting the ancient heritage of the country to make them alive for the younger generation, including world's most ancient civilisations like Moenjodaro, Mehargarh, Haruppa and Gandarha.
There were also wonderful landscapes with charming amalgam of light, colours and shade portraying majestically erected cluster of trees in harmony with nature gives a soothing effect to the eyes.
Drawing is another source for his expression along with painting. The complex human emotions are communicated effectively through black and white drawings, devoid of colours yet very impressive and attractive.
He said he loved his country and wanted to project its positive image abroad. He had achieved numerous awards and gold medals for his paintings and social works as well. He was awarded the highest Civil Award of Pakistan 'Sitara-i-Imtiaz' for Art in 2005 by the government of Pakistan.
Many of his paintings are in private collections at home and abroad around the globe in almost all the countries of the world. He has painted over, 2,000 original paintings and over 1,000 calligraphies and over 200,000, prints are in private collections in more than 50 countries. He has held more than 60 art exhibitions all over, has led more than 50 walks for noble causes and has arranged more than 100 awareness programmes for handicapped, blind and orphan children.
He is a globally acclaimed artist of Pakistan and a celebrated social crusader for the deprived. He has played a significant role in the promotion of art in Pakistan. He supports upcoming young artists' boys and girls and helps them pursuing their career in art. The exhibition was received well by the art connoisseur and a large number of art enthusiasts visit the venue. nadeemzuberi71@gmail.com