ISLAMABAD: A vibrant tapestry of artistry unfolded at the National Art Gallery in Islamabad as OffGrid, a growing art platform, proudly presented its first public exhibition, “Bamboo Reverie, A Creative Residency Journey.”
Inaugurated by Federal Minister of Culture Jamal Shah, the exhibition transcends traditional boundaries, exploring the profound connection between humanity and nature.
OffGrid, despite being a nascent platform, boasts an experienced team of dynamic artists who showcased their diverse talents in this inaugural event. The central theme of the exhibition revolves around the intersection of wilderness and creativity, delving into the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world.
Geytee Ara, a seasoned art educationist and curator of the exhibition, played a pivotal role in bringing OffGrid to the forefront and conceptualizing the profound exploration of the human-nature connection. The exhibition is a culmination of OffGrid’s inaugural residency, which saw the participation of eleven artists—Akhter Iqbal, Shumaila Rashid, Faiza Gondal, Geytee Ara, Lubna Jehangir, Qurat Ul Ain, Salma Manzoor, Shahidi, Shahrukh Baqi, Shahzeb Ahmed, Sidra Ashraf, and Zarrar Haider Babary.
The group of artists, representing both accomplished and amateur talents, showcased a diverse array of mediums, concepts, and execution styles. Geytee Ara emphasized that the Residency Chapter 1 aimed to go beyond superficial observations and tap into the deep-rooted connection between humans and nature.
The artists, enchanted by the pristine surroundings of the Chattar Valley, executed their works with unique perspectives. The exhibition reflects the fusion of inner realms and experiences with nature, underlining individuality while fostering critical support among participants. The success of this endeavor has encouraged OffGrid to make it a biannual feature.
Lubna Jehangir’s series, “Kairos,” explores the opportune time related to divine time, reflecting Mahmoud Darwish’s lines from “Loose one of your Stars.” Crafted during the residency, her works embody a perpetual trance-like feeling, capturing the mysterious and lucid nature of existence.
Shahzeb Ahmed’s series, “Alternative Maktab,” envisions a parallel dimension where life restarts with the first winter rain after summer hibernation. Each image, frame, and color in his work unveils a tiny part of the mystery of one’s identity, exploring the paradoxical connection of the inner and outer self.
Salma Manzoor’s work, illuminated by the sun, captures intricate details around her, allowing her to embody her role as “the nature gazer.” Faiza Gondal, using traditional Wasli for miniature art, symbolically incorporates Sufi elements in her series “DIVINE’S SERENITY,” unfolding uncharted concepts of femininity and Sufism.
Sidra Ashraf’s “Undulating Waves of Existence” seamlessly blends the surrounding environment with her exploration of surfaces, using marbling techniques to mirror the ebb and flow of life’s thoughts and events.
Akhtar Iqbal pays homage to his departed dog through “Dance with Life’s Echoes,” using twig-like lines to engage in a dance with life’s echoes. Shahidi’s diverse themes focus on existentialism, peace, freedom, life, and the deeper meaning of existence, presented in the form of selected verses.
Shahrukh Baqi, a Karachi-based artist, explores forms, designs, decorative arts, and art education in his multi-artistic activity. His “Tana Bana” series plays with form symbolically, emphasizing conceptualization and realization in purely aesthetic language.
Quratulain’s exploration of the harmonious interplay of water elements unveils a profound sense of divine connection. Her experimental interactive installation invites contemplation on the fluidity and tranquility that mirror the ethereal within and without.
Zarrar Haider Babary’s artistic exploration captures the elusive beauty and hidden stories within bamboo plants. The exhibition, set against the backdrop of clouds, drizzle, and the enchanting presence of bamboo, invites viewers to witness the mesmerizing fusion of wilderness and creativity.
“Bamboo Reverie: A Creative Residency Journey” is a must-see for contemporary art enthusiasts, open to the public for a week. It encapsulates the essence of OffGrid’s commitment to exploring the intersection of human creativity and the natural world, offering a unique perspective on the profound aspects of existence in the natural world.
