Naqsh bur Aab
2012
Publisher: Chawkandi Gallery
Naqsh bur Aab
2012
Publisher: Chawkandi Gallery
Images on Water: A visualization of The Threefold Path of Devotion
In the interview , Meher Afroz discusses the metaphysical experience , which is central to the show. Also highlighted is her process of transforming symbols to convey the quest for spiritual truth.
Catalogue essay
A visualization of the threefold path of devotion
By Niilofur Farrukh
Meher Afroz’s art articulates a need to understand her reality through the metaphysical experience. In the 1970s she explored strands of cultural/ national/religious identity after she relocated to Karachi from Lucknow. Later her focus shifted to a critique of society, which gave birth to several series. Among them the Amulet
paintings were centered on the exploitation of sacred practices for material gains. A deeper quest for Truth in the current work Naqsh Bur Aab (images on water) combines esoteric symbolism with lived experiences of devotion.
Naqsh bur aab series
Naqsh bur aab series
Naqsh bur aab series (Detail)
contribution to catalogues
The catalogue has been especially designed by Sabiha Imani to preserve the visual memory of the show. All the four sections of the show are highlighted with a bilingual contextual note.
2025
The article maps the two distinct trajectories of the art practice of Amin Gulgee’s. His formal calligraphic sculpture and figurative iconography in metal and the experimental performances and installations that are time based and ephemeral.
2007
The article underlines how Amin Gulgee has been looking for the perfect balance between his formal sculptures and the spontaneous and asymmetrical creativity of his performative work, and impermanent installations.
2011
The article mapped the discursive sessions with artists, art critics and curators during the ArtFest Karachi.
2021
Postcolonial Theory explains how the concept of a ‘subaltern culture ‘ was built on the false assumption that, as Edward Saeed puts it ‘ the East was not capable of composing their own narrative’.
2010
As calligraphy changed from a symbol of identity to a component of a subversive strategy , its assimilation in visual arts continues to evolve
2006
‘Painting miniature is like expressing yourself in Urdu’ Imran Qureshi , the leading miniaturist tells Niilofur.
2000
Uraan (Flight) in this exhibition serves as an emblem of the spirit of change that imbued the creative mind in nascent Pakistan.
2002
Text for the catalogue of the show curated by Amin Gulgee and Sheherebano Hussain. The show addressed the nation’s ambivalent relationship with the representation of the body/ figure in visual culture.
2006
The catalogue covered the sixteen exhibitions held for the inaugural of the National Art Gallery Islamabad.
2007
Niilofur as its curatorial lead , described the project as a moving caravan that brought together over 200 artists to pay tribute to the memory of Zahoorul Akhlaq, Pakistan ‘s major artist who became a victim of violent crime. The artists worked on the Takhti , the wooden tablet that was used by the late artist.
2001
Niilofur as its curatorial lead , described the project as a moving caravan that brought together over 200 artists to pay tribute to the memory of Zahoorul Akhlaq, Pakistan ‘s major artist who became a victim of violent crime. The artists worked on the Takhti , the wooden tablet that was used by the late artist.
2001
The catalogue covered the sixteen exhibitions held for the inaugural of the National Art Gallery Islamabad.
2007
Text for the catalogue of the show curated by Amin Gulgee and Sheherebano Hussain. The show addressed the nation’s ambivalent relationship with the representation of the body/ figure in visual culture.
2006
Uraan (Flight) in this exhibition serves as an emblem of the spirit of change that imbued the creative mind in nascent Pakistan.
2002
‘Painting miniature is like expressing yourself in Urdu’ Imran Qureshi , the leading miniaturist tells Niilofur.
2000
As calligraphy changed from a symbol of identity to a component of a subversive strategy , its assimilation in visual arts continues to evolve
2006
Postcolonial Theory explains how the concept of a ‘subaltern culture ‘ was built on the false assumption that, as Edward Saeed puts it ‘ the East was not capable of composing their own narrative’.
2010
The article mapped the discursive sessions with artists, art critics and curators during the ArtFest Karachi.
2021
The article maps the two distinct trajectories of the art practice of Amin Gulgee’s. His formal calligraphic sculpture and figurative iconography in metal and the experimental performances and installations that are time based and ephemeral.
2007