Elephantasy by Kausar Iqbal

1. Elephantacy / KAUSAR IQBAL

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May, 2016
Presented by

3. Exhibition will continue till 25th May, 2016
Invites you to a Solo exhibition of Paintings
Elephantacy
recent work by
KAUSAR IQBAL
on Wednesday, 18th May, 2016
Opening at 6:00 p.m.

4. Miniature VS Elephant
While examining the miniature paintings of the Subcontinent, Kausar Iqbal is highly intrigued by the form of the iconic elephant,
a symbol of power, strength and humility. He explores the nature of the elephant and finds similarities in traits between humans
and elephants, while keeping in line with the discipline of the genre. By bringing the colossal scale of the elephant into miniature
form, he creates a new expression. The elephant form has been an integral part of miniature painting of the subcontinent,
primarily because the elephant once served as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of Mughal royalty, both in times of peace and war. During wars
it was used as a tank to crush enemy’s army, asserting its power. During times of peace, it was a regal symbol of grace and
poise and abundance . Kausar Iqbal uses the same power symbolism as the main object as well as a subject to introduce a
modern vocabulary in the world of contemporary miniature painting. The artist creates subtle nuances while playing with the
elephant forms on 20 canvases. Depicting the elephant’s spectrum of moods, Iqbal opens new vistas to exploit his dexterity.
One can see delicate, colourful shoots sprouting from its tusks when the animal is elated. In remorse, it hides a tear in its starlet
eyes.
The most striking feature of the collection is a scene of mother and child; herein the mother elephant looks at its newborn with
humility, and an ecstatic pain which is experienced by any mother post-delivery. In contrast, parallel to this scene, stands a
canvas showing the wrath of the beast. Iqbal poetically draws these variations of a single form, much like a nude painted by
countless artists, particularly artists claiming that the nude is not a woman but simply a form for them. Iqbal treats the elephant
as his model and brings it close to the human form in many points. A band with an amulet with crescent and star on it narrates
a socio-political statement. It is the elephant that rules the scene. Drawing parallels between the elephant and human nature,
the works lends certain universality to the series. Iqbal’s works with animals, snakes, birds, bees and beetles is surrealistic
and engrossing in nature; at the same time exhibits his proficiency as a miniature painter. His animal world also refers to the
process of evolution. He creates imaginary situations where birds, animals, flora and fauna and insects are in communication
with each other; the communion staying friendly, playful and natural, bringing a sense of innocence in his work. This thoughtful
experimentation with symbolism of Animal-animal and Human-animal creates a surreal hybrid of social personification. The
combination of such ideas along with the use of stitching, amulets, monochromatic trees sprouting out as extended trunks
create quite remarkable and meaningful symbolism.
Interestingly, this series of works offer its viewers a visual glee of enhanced Elephantacy applied through the same miniature
technique, however magnified on larger scale than his previously exhibited works. This bold approach questions the conventions
of traditional miniature techniques and scale of imagery. It adds a degree of flexibility to the already established boundaries of
miniature, making it quite contemporary. Kausar Iqbal has a great command over his tools. He uses gudrang, neem rung and
siyah qalam and other elements for his work. He successfully conveys his concepts through his miniature art. Over the past
eight years, Iqbal has shown his work extensively in various National and International exhibitions across the world.
Shamim Akhter

5. The Elephantasy of reality
Elephantasy, a new series of works by Kausar Iqbal represent ideas on a broader scale beyond the cultural and geographic
boundaries of the East, something few Pakistani miniature artists have achieved. Using his meticulous techniques and astute
observations, Iqbal engages the audience in a dialogue on social issues and political symbolism of today.
Art collectors have recognized this quality of Iqbal globally, particularly in the United States, where the Elephant and Donkey
icons represent the Republican and Democratic national parties, a timely association with the current general elections in the
US.
In a way, Iqbal’s work can also be likened to the 21st Century political cartoonist Thomas Nast. However, unlike Nast’s Elephant,
Kausar’s sacred elephant isn’t confused, bruised or ailing. Instead it stands composed with grace and power. Unlike Nast’s
Jackass Kausar Iqbal’s Donkey believes in progress, reform and cohabitation, realizing the greater need for positive change
within society. Like Nast, he derives his vocabulary from the horrors of war, however resulting in a much more positive light
Being a Pakhtoon from Pakistan, the impact of war seeping into his work is inevitable. The cold war and the war on terror have
left deep scars on the Pakhtoon society; once emblematic for values, hospitality, peace and security, the society is now left
divided in fragments of distrust, ignorance and delusional fanaticism. Iqbal tells stories of the ordinary man in extraordinary
political circumstances, using the elephant symbolically as an abstraction. Iqbal refers to his work as Khyal; a narrative of
optimism, tranquility and meditation, which are some of core attributes of artistic practice in this region since the times of
Gandhara Civilization.
He reminds us of a more peaceful and progressive time in Pakistani (and Pakhtoon) society not long ago and he believes it to
return. The optimism in his paintings communicates messages of love, peace and hope, something not particularly synonymous
with Pakhtoon society today. Iqbal’s elephant depicts the quintessential Pakhtoon man with positive attributes with a more
empathetic and progressive mindset. He believes this approach is the primary way to succeed in today’s contemporary society.
He hopes to pass this on to the coming generations through his work.
By Kamran Babrak

6. Gouache on wasli / 20 x 27 inches

7. Gouache on wasli / 20 x 27 inches

8. Gouache on wasli / 20 x 27 inches

9. Gouache on wallpaper / 20 x 41 inches

10. Gouache on wasli / 28 x 39 inches

11. Gouache on wasli / 28 x 39 inches

12. Gouache on wasli / 20 x 27 inches

13. Gouache on wasli / 39 x 58 inches

14. Gouache on wasli / 20 x 27 inchesGouache on wasli / 20 x 27 inches

15. Gouache on wasli / 19 x 39 inchesGouache on wasli / 19 x 39 inches

16. Gouache on wasli / 9 x 13 inches

17. Gouache on wasli / 9 x 13 inches

18. Gouache on wasli / 9 x 3 inches

19. Gouache on wasli / 9 x 13 inches Gouache on wasli / 6 x 10 inches

20. Gouache on wasli / 12 x 14 inches
Gouache on wasli / 12 x 14 inches
Gouache on wasli / 12 x 14 inches

21. Gouache on wasli / 9 x 13 inchesGouache on wasli / 6 x 10 inches

22. Solo Exhibitions/Shows
2006 Exhibition (Thesis Display) at NCA
2007 Show in Dimension Stones Center, Peshawar
2008 Show in Dimension Stones Center, Peshawar
2008 Exhibition in Hazara University
2008 Iapex (Institute of Architects Peshawar Pakistan
2008 Inauguration Of Dimension Stone Center Peshawar
2009 Solo show in miniature first studio Rawalpindi
2010 Solo show “Pachydermal” in Rohtas 1 islamabad
2011 Solo Exhibition at Kunj at Karachi.
2012 –13 Solo show collaboration “Joint Forces”
Group Exhibitions/Shows
2004 Rang-e- Raigzaar. Group exhibition held at Zahur-ul-Haq Gallery NCA
2005 Calligraphy at Alhamra art Council
2007 Exhibition in Kunj Art Gallery Karachi.
2007 Exhibition ( Lahore Museum) Tollinton market
2007 Exhibition NCA Rawalpindi Campus
2007 Exhibition (Illuminated Manuscript) at Nairang Gallery, Lahore
2008 Painting Competition In U.E.T Peshawar
2008 Exhibition (The Art Gallery) Karach
2009 Behind the Frame, PNCA Islamabad
2009. Alhamra art galley, Qadhafi Stadium (group show)
2010 Art faire in gallrey6 Islamabad
2010 Show in Rawalpindi institute of art/design
2011 Vogue gallery Lahore (5 provinces national group show)
2011 Group competition in IM Sciences Peshwar
2011 United - in the Age of Dialogue in PNCA by RASTAY
2011 Itwar bazaar in gallery 6 Islamabad
2011 Group show in Jharoka art gallery by RASTAY
2012 Group show in PNCA Islamabad
2012 Group show in the drawing studio gallery
2013 Group show Art scene, Karachi “50 miniature artists”
2013 Group show Ejaz Gallery
2013 Group show Grandeur Art gallery
2014 Residency show PNCA, Islamabad
2014 Group Show Al Hambra Art gallery, Lahore “Darbaar - e - Funn”
International Exhibitions/Shows
2006 Exhibition Algerian Ministry of Culture in collaboration with ISESCO
Organizing an Islamic Competition of Miniature
2007 Exhibition in (New End Gallery), London.
2009 Twelve gates gallery New Jarcey USA
2009 Twelve gates gallery New Jarcey USA
2009 Twelve gates gallery New Jarcey USA
2010 Art faire in Paris
2012 Group show in Iran
2012 Group show in Toronto
2012 Group show in Saudia Arabia (Jedah) (PNCA)
2013 Group show in Canada (PNCA)
2013 Group show Musawar art gallery
2014 Group show in New Zealand (PNCA)
Experience:
2011 Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design Lahore
2010-11 Rawalpindi Institute of Art/Design
2009-10 Iqra University, Islamabad
2008-09 Fatimah Jinnah Women University
2007 Lecturers and workshop Cecos & Hazara University Dimension Stones
Center, PCSIR Complex Peshawar
2007 Eight months of work experience in first miniature studio.
2011 4 days free-lance miniature workshop in 1st miniature studio Rawalpindi
2011 Member Pak association falconry.
2014 Artist Residency (PNCA) in Ayubia, KPK
Publications/Books
2008 Lahore Fort and Images of Miniature (Published by UNISCO & NCA)
2009 Mere dost mere musawer by Jahanzeb Malik
2010 Publication in Ink magazine
2011 United - in the Age of Dialogue in PNCA by RAAY
Membership:
2003-06 Member Nautanki Club NCA, Lahore
2003-06 Member Alif Adab Club NCA, Lahore
Awards:
2006 Turkish award (peace at home peace in the world)
2008 First prize in Muree competition
2008 Guljee Award Show in Abbaseen Art Gallery, Peshawar
2011 S. S. Haider Award in Abbaseen Art Gallery, Peshawar
Kausar Iqbal
Born 1980
Education
2006 BFA from National College of Arts
(Lahore) PAKISTAN.
Major in miniature
Solo Exhibitions/Shows
2006 Exhibition (Thesis Display) at NCA
2007 Show in Dimension Stones Center, Peshawar
2008 Show in Dimension Stones Center, Peshawar
2008 Exhibition in Hazara University
2008 Iapex (Institute of Architects Peshawar Pakistan
2008 Inauguration Of Dimension Stone Center Peshawar
2009 Solo show in miniature first studio Rawalpindi
2010 Solo show “Pachydermal” in Rohtas 1 islamabad
2011 Solo Exhibition at Kunj at Karachi.
2012 –13 Solo show collaboration “Joint Forces”
Group Exhibitions/Shows
2004 Rang-e- Raigzaar. Group exhibition held at Zahur-ul-Haq Gallery NCA
2005 Calligraphy at Alhamra art Council
2007 Exhibition in Kunj Art Gallery Karachi.
2007 Exhibition ( Lahore Museum) Tollinton market
2007 Exhibition NCA Rawalpindi Campus
2007 Exhibition (Illuminated Manuscript) at Nairang Gallery, Lahore
2008 Painting Competition In U.E.T Peshawar
2008 Exhibition (The Art Gallery) Karach
2009 Behind the Frame, PNCA Islamabad
2009 Alhamra art galley, Qadhafi Stadium (group show)
2010 Art faire in gallrey6 Islamabad
2010 Show in Rawalpindi institute of art/design
2011 Vogue gallery Lahore (5 provinces national group show)
2011 Group competition in IM Sciences Peshwar
2011 United - in the Age of Dialogue in PNCA by RASTAY
2011 Itwar bazaar in gallery 6 Islamabad
2011 Group show in Jharoka art gallery by RASTAY
2012 Group show in PNCA Islamabad
2012 Group show in the drawing studio gallery
2013 Group show Art scene, Karachi “50 miniature artists”
2013 Group show Ejaz Gallery
2013 Group show Grandeur Art gallery
2014 Residency show PNCA, Islamabad
2014 Group Show Al Hambra Art gallery, Lahore “Darbaar - e - Funn”
Kausar Iqbal
Born 1980
Education
2006 BFA from National College of Arts
(Lahore) PAKISTAN.
Major in miniature
International Exhibitions/Shows
2006 Exhibition Algerian Ministry of Culture in collaboration with ISESCO
Organizing an Islamic Competition of Miniature
2007 Exhibition in (New End Gallery), London.
2009 Twelve gates gallery New Jarcey USA
2009 Twelve gates gallery New Jarcey USA
2009 Twelve gates gallery New Jarcey USA
2010 Art faire in Paris
2012 Group show in Iran
2012 Group show in Toronto
2012 Group show in Saudia Arabia (Jedah) (PNCA)
2013 Group show in Canada (PNCA)
2013 Group show Musawar art gallery
2014 Group show in New Zealand (PNCA)
Experience:
2011 Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design Lahore
2010-11 Rawalpindi Institute of Art/Design
2009-10 Iqra University, Islamabad
2008-09 Fatimah Jinnah Women University
2007 Lecturers and workshop Cecos & Hazara University Dimension Stones
Center, PCSIR Complex Peshawar
2007 Eight months of work experience in first miniature studio.
2011 4 days free-lance miniature workshop in 1st miniature studio Rawalpindi
2011 Member Pak association falconry.
2014 Artist Residency (PNCA) in Ayubia, KPK
Publications/Books
2008 Lahore Fort and Images of Miniature (Published by UNISCO & NCA)
2009 Mere dost mere musawer by Jahanzeb Malik
2010 Publication in Ink magazine
2011 United - in the Age of Dialogue in PNCA by RAAY
Membership:
2003-06 Member Nautanki Club NCA, Lahore
2003-06 Member Alif Adab Club NCA, Lahore
Awards:
2006 Turkish award (peace at home peace in the world)
2008 First prize in Muree competition
2008 Guljee Award Show in Abbaseen Art Gallery, Peshawar
2011 S. S. Haider Award in Abbaseen Art Gallery, Peshawar

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