Karachi gallery showcases unique augmented reality art

The exhibition "Mankind" shows the work of seven emerging Pakistani artists

Rayhan Muqadam

23 Jun, 2023

Life & Style

An art exhibition titled “Mankind” opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, offering a captivating display of artworks by AB Rehman, Ahsan Javaid, Ahsan Memon, Mariam Arshad, Noormah Jamal, Raheela Abro, and Syed Hussain. The exhibition will continue until Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding Sundays.

Ahsan Javaid, Syed Hussain, Noormah, Jamal, Mariam Arshad, and Ahsan Memon are all graduates of the National College of Arts, Lahore. All the artists participating in “Mankind” have employed figurative art to capture the essence of the human form. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of mediums, including oil paintings, ceramics, and innovative use of recyclable materials.

A close-up photograph showing a part of Ahsan Javaid’s oil painting

Photograph of one of AB Rehman’s paintings, without augmented reality

AB Rehman’s work stands out as he uses contemporary technology, such as augmented reality, to create a new reality within the traditional medium of painting. To view the augmented reality part of Rehman’s paintings, viewers have to download and use an app called “Arti.

By drawing inspiration from various religions and ancient civilizations, such as Buddhism, ancient Greece, and Egypt, Rehman’s paintings pay homage to enduring statues while invoking feelings of recognition and the unknown.

Ahsan Javaid’s series in the exhibition took shape through collaboration with various individuals from the artist community. Javaid transformed images, texts, video clips, and voice notes, sent to him by his collaborators, into paintings.

Mariam Arshad’s painting series focuses on street-side professions associated with grooming; such as barbers. Arshad says she highlights the importance of grooming as an act that connects individuals in society, showcasing trust and intimacy.

Noormah Jamal’s ceramic work draws from the oral histories of her Pukhtoon heritage.

Ahsan Memon’s portraits depict living beings with characteristics reminiscent of plants.

Raheela Abro uses SIM cards as a canvas for her miniature paintings. She pays tribute to veteran Pakistani artists such as Rahat Naveed, Durre Waseem and Saeed Akhtar through her art.

Lastly, Syed Hussain’s artwork reflects his personal journey as an ethnic Hazara in Pakistan, who has experienced discrimination due to his physical features and cultural background.