Dr. Arjumand Faisel is a public health specialist by profession, but is not a newcomer to the art world. In late 1960s, he regularly started visiting Indus Gallery and indulged in art discussion with Ali Imam. His first group show was held in 1972 at the age of 18 years.  He had a few formal lessons from the artist Rashid Arshed in 1973 and maintained close interactions with Jamil Naqsh, Bashir Mirza, Ahmed Parvez and Sadequain during 1970s to 1990s. He also established ZEENA-the artworkshop in 1976 in Karachi, which operated for five years. In 1980’s he focused on his professional development but returned to the art world in mid 1990’s.  In this year he also established a group called “Promote Art in Pakistan [PAP]” which financially helped the struggling art students and young artists in a unique way for more than 5 years.  Since 2000 he has been intensely engaged in painting, and the current exhibition is illustrative of his sensitive work.

Dan Berman, an art critic from USA has written that Arjumand’s MAL paintings take us visually and mentally to an underworld outside the purview of a society that would prefer to be shielded from that reality. His figures emerge from the canvas as silhouettes, much like images our eyes need adjusting to in a darkened room. His swirling brush strokes, the chaotic everyday life, virtually mask the quiet almost invisible existence and activity of his subjects. Hopelessness and desperation are palpable in the figures that reflect the pathos in the situation. Yet, Arjumand’s women reflect a dignity and strength to endure a life not of their making. The use of color accentuates the mood and message of the paintings. Muted blues and yellows portray a foul environment that seems to suck life from his subjects while providing a protective curtain for society.

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