BANGALORE:Philosophy, art and science — the three pillars that nourish the vortex of our existence differ primarily in subject but are interconnected with reality. Nonetheless, their massive influence on our lives has provided a gateway to an intellectual prism where every ineffable emotion and our profoundly intimate relationship with nature thrive in harmony.
The aesthetic appeal of art, artistic principle of philosophical thought and beauty of science have enabled humanity to reach out and seek the meaning and purpose of life. In fact, Albert Einstein once said, “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man’s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.” Imagine living in a world permeated with freedom and free associative thinking; a world that no longer lurks in the shadows of brutality and treason. Celebrating the unity of all forces, Anwar Khan’s recent attempt at visualising such a world sans distinction was indeed admirable. The artist’s latest work Reality of the Total Image resonated with spirituality and science.
Anwar Khan’s abstract art is a powerful display of vivid colours and lines. Rather than pictorial representation, the artist transformed internal structures with lyrical textures. Striking a balance between science and art, the symbolisms in his oil paintings depict a constant battle between the mind and ego. Also, the segregation of motifs combined with overlapped layers and effortless style help create dimension and consistency in his paintings. Some of the abstract figures in fact bear resemblance to doors and windows. There’s something so soothing yet complex about his style that every stroke, structure and rule in all his paintings spring to life.
Splitting the whole canvas into fragments with contrasting colours, Anwar’s works are indeed reinforced with sounds and energy. The simplicity of geometric shapes, numbers and calligraphic lines in some of his paintings try to capture a sequence of events in a humble yet definitive fashion. Whilst the blue and green portray a sense of calmness and peace; the blazing hues of red and orange complement aggressive strokes. And needless to say, the versatility and rich creamy texture of dry pastels on paper adds an inorganic but pleasant touch to every detail. Here lines, segments and circles seem to collide eventually with each other in perfect symmetry. The subtle details in his art works provide hints of unattainable conquests and moreover entice us with its raw splendour.
Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Sufism, Anwar has managed to merge three entities integral to mankind’s survival and reality today on the canvas. In an attempt at defining his own individuality, the artist has carved a niche in communicating through art with his signature style. And, while exploring the destruction of self-identity and emergence of resolved beings; Khan has stumbled upon the concept of integrity in art. As the late Jagdish Swaminathan, eminent painter and author said of Anwar’s work, “It is as if you are watching a waterfall, or a storm at sea with the sound track cut off. The visual palpitation leads you to lend an attentive ear to the silent music of creation.”