Shop

My snowscapes of Kashmir titled ‘Firdaus bar ru-yi Zamīn’ depict the majesty of the snow clad mountains of Gulmarg. Verdant fir trees, dusted with white powder glistening with the different hues of the mountain sky, stand out upon the canvas. Together, with the rising mountain peaks and the seemingly infinite firmament beyond, the vistas truly feel like a paradise on earth. .I re-create semi-abstract impressions of what my eyes witness. I use the term re-create with the firm belief that the beauty inherent to such landscapes is by virtue of their creation at the hands of the Almighty. I am simply re-creating them on a canvas in a humble, yet artistic, manner of emulation. For the main compositions, relying on vivid memories as well as my own photos, I indulge in some artistic liberty with the placement of the flora and the use of colors. .In some of my works, I make use of heavy gels and acrylics to create thick textures on the mountain’s surfaces to signify their solidity, the solidity of existence. These massive monuments, their beauty and breath-taking majesty, are testament that the Almighty has created everything with a purpose: “Our Lord! Thou created not this in vain. Glory be to Thee (Quran 3:191).” . The use of Japanese watercolours in composing the fir trees compliments the heavy acrylics by adding an air of lightness. It also, simultaneously, contrasts with the heavy mass of the mountains alluding subtly to the notion of seeking spiritual enlightenment and loftiness while ridding oneself of the burdens of the corporal, material world. It is in this state of unburdened spirituality where happiness is found, nay, happiness reigns.

When the canvas wove its mysterious tales, It left behind golden trails, And the colours played a symphony of hues.A Stallion galloped in, Thundering off his powerful hoofs, His eyes riveted on the finishing line.Dark currents unforeseen, Barged in unabashedly, Opposites broke out into fury.Fear against courage, Doubt against faith, Disloyalty against steadfastness.Then the moon light streamed in, It cast on the equine a heavenly glow, Turning it into a twinkling star.The dust settled, disloyalty merged into steadfastness, Fear became brave, And doubt emerged as faith!Inspired by the virtuous qualities of the horse, which is considered in Islamic lore as one of the noblest of creations, ‘Leap of faith,’ is a painting of a horse reflecting an indomitable spirit of a timeless dimension. With legs of courage and steadfastness, instead of blind competition, it treads the path of ‘inner truth’ reminding us that the race is never really with others but with our own selves.All throughout history horses have been praised for their loyalty, steadfastness and dedication. ‘Leap of Faith’ is a painting that serves as a tribute to this majestic animal.

The mishkāt is adorned by the Quranic verse: “Allah is the Walī of all believers; He leads them from the depths of darkness towards the light” (2:257). The painting, playing artfully with shades of light and darkness, elucidates the concept that true enlightenment is not possible without Allah Taʿālā.