Artist explores Balochistan, its people.

Byline: Syeda Shehrbano Kazim

ISLAMABAD -- A solo exhibition by Pride of Performance winning artist Akram Dost Baloch featuring a new collection of pieces in three distinct styles opened at the Satrang Gallery on Tuesday.

The collection, titled Shanakht (identity), builds on Mr Baloch's emblematic representations of the socioeconomic narrative of Balochistan but expands the story to chronicle modern incursions into the province.

His imagery is a visual treat with one assemblage of paintings showcasing his classic stream of earthen colours reminiscent of the land with Baloch faces looking stoically, grimly ahead, while another group incorporates grid-like lines dividing the canvas against a background of motifs drawn from civilisations and culture of Balochistan - paintings that are his comment on new developments underway in the region where once flourished Mehrgarh.

The most striking works, however, are a distinct departure in style showing the master artist's keenness to experiment, innovate and rethink long held ideas. These canvases are monochromatic, black and white works exploring the landscape of Balochistan cut through with white rivers run dry.

Mr Baloch's work has always documented the social, political and economic anxieties that are rampant among his people and across his land. Balochistan stands apart in the unforgiving landscape and the historical marginalisation with little or no development, infrastructure and opportunities. A state that is reflected in the expressions found in Baloch's figurative works.

It is also a space where access to the materials with which to make art were limited and creative expression found space in motifs carved into blocks of wood and stone, embroidered into fabrics and woven into carpets. Mr Baloch has included those motifs in each of his paintings creating an unbreakable link with his roots, his own...

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