Ease versus Power

By Ali Usman, "‘Whirling Dervish’" - Daily Times - Lahore, Pakistan
Thursday, December 4, 2008

An exhibition of paintings with the name of ‘Whirling Dervish’, by renowned artist Shafique Farooqi, opened at the Hamail Art Gallery on Wednesday.

Governor Salmaan Taseer’s wife Aamna Taseer was the chief guest on the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition.

The paintings shown at the exhibition depict the ecstasy of the dervishes. The work seems to be a continuation of a series on which the artist had been working on since years. The colours used in the paintings capture the real feels of dervishes. However, the works of the artist somewhat lack power, and the motions depicted are more of ease than of power.

Talking to Daily Times, artist SM Mansoor said that the work did not capture the real power of the whirling dance. He said whirling meant something powerful, adding that the work did not reflect power at all. Appreciating the colours of the paintings, he pointed out that the paintings would look more beautiful if the colours were matched with the theme of the work.

Artist Shafique Farooqi said that he demonstrated his work in all three dimensions. He said that figures in the work reflected the tradition of whirling dervishes.

Mrs Taseer took great interest in the work, and praised the artist’s efforts. The prices of the paintings varied between Rs 35,000 to Rs 200,000 [$ 450 to $ 2500].

A large number of people showed up at the exhibition, which will continue until December 17.