Out of the blue — series of paintings by Komail Aijazuddin

KARACHI: Living up to its title ceremoniously, in the latest solo show by Komail Aijazuddin at Canvas, blue truly and wholeheartedly becomes the new black.

A glorious new development, the colour, inspired by the turquoise-blue Greek waters he gazed upon during his visit last summer, stands out in his most recent work as distinctly as his rigorous yet effortless command of devotional art, especially of the classical western kind. Greece being the profound point of departure is a prominent characteristic apparent in the forms, lines and shapes of his current practice while the works remain symbolic to the core and still heavily influenced by the idea of divinity.

Similar to his previous trajectory of works, the latest series also includes recurrent elements like larger than life-size and scale with looming dramatic figures in addition to his long-standing theme of thorns.

Known for using gold leaf to perfection, however, he has opted to experiment with silver this time, reveals Aijazzudin talking about the newest elements of his ongoing creativity and technique. Often used to decorate ‘Barfee’, he finds its reflective quality fun to manipulate and play with, says the artist who has used it in most of his paintings while working with oil on canvas and wood.

A result of his time spent in Greece, the series also explores Ancient Greece’s connection with lands that are now Pakistan says Aijazzudin who has been fascinated with Alexander the Great’s Journey to this land while growing up and hence made two of his current paintings tracing the map of his route.

Greek and Roman Art history being the main area of his study, Komail Aijazuddin is an alumni of the New York University, with a master's degree from the Pratt Institute in New York City. Showcasing his works extensively both home and abroad, the artist currently lives between New York and Lahore.

Titled ‘Out of The Blue’ his current solo show will continue at Canvas gallery until March 9th.