“It is not a fashion statement; it is a commentary, frozen alive, on our hybridised, divided and ever changing political, social and religious identity: born to be…” these lines reflect Abdullah Syed’s work titled “born to be…” on exhibition at the V M art gallery. The prints and drawings on display depict people caught between reality and deception.
According to Abdullah, the work was completed last year in August but it was taken to Australia to produce Lambda prints.
Most of the work revolves around a uniformed man set against backgrounds of various colours including red, white, blue and green. The colours red and blue symbolise the east; red suggests conservative factions while blue stands for the liberal ones.
These colours are also depicted through flowers held by the man. An interesting contrast is suggested by the rose held by him, which is beautiful and thorny at the same time.
According to Abdullah, “It shows the growing insecurity in people who tend to blend themselves with western culture ultimately failing to keep a balance with the culture of the east.”
Green, depicting Pakistan and Islam was shown with a bunch of Jasmine buds instead of fully blossomed flowers. “The reason for choosing buds is that I believe Pakistan is still a budding nation. It is still maturing,” says Abdullah.
Abdullah has carried out extensive research on Jinnah as is evident in the work that is on display at the gallery. The exhibition will continue till June 21.
