We are a byproduct of our experiences which affects us physically and emotionally. But what determines our next course of action is not the experience itself, instead it is the
meaning we glean from that experience and it leads us to a belief, desire, or a goal.
Every experience regardless of their scale is a story of a sort, and it is by sharing our stories that connects us and builds the trust with others.
Most of us tend to rely on the general appearance of things, however most things require a bit of excavation to find what is really buried underneath the surface. Artists usually possess this ability to absorb and dig deep into experiences of life and share their findings to the world. ‘Beneath the Surface’ offers its audience such an insight to the experiences and memories of these artists and their brilliant world view of life.
Maisam Hussain
Born in 1997 in Zeran, Parachinar, Maisam learned metalwork from his father in his shop. He graduated with distinction in Fine Arts majoring in Sculpture from the National College
of Arts. Maisam’s art practice revolves around the story of texture, concepts, and functions of materials. It is mostly influenced by the miseries and harsh realities of Parachina, Maisam’s hometown. Growing up in a war-torn land, he became accustomed to the horrible sounds of blasts, which left scars on buildings and people within their vicinity. Witnessing dust filling the air and being paralyzed on the ground from shock, he saw how bullets and bombardments left their imprints on people and the attacked places, and how all this subsequently contrived textures that has immensely influenced Maisam’s work. These experiences have had a profound impact on his personal growth and his way of thinking. The sounds of bomb blasts have become a part of him, and the marks left on victimized buildings serve as a reminder of those times, which undeniably shaped his identity.
Maisam exhibited his works in several shows including Broadcast Volume 2 at O Art space (2021), Third Space Room 1 at Khamsa Art (2021), Flower of a Blue Flame at Canvas Gallery (2021), Graduation show at National College of Arts (2021), Evocation, Four Person show at O Art Space (2022) and Missing Links at NCA Pindi (2022).
Currently, Maisam is practicing in Lahore and teaching sculpture to foundation students at the National College of Arts.
His art practice and visuals which he create is the outcome of what is happening around him and the unfortunate incidents which they come across unwillingly.
For the three-person show, his work reflects the recent tragic killing of seven innocent teachers at
Government High School Tari Mangal in Parachinar.
Mubashar Iqbal
Mubashar, who was born in 1992, discovered his passion for art after graduating from National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan with a degree in Fine Arts (Painting). He has
honed his artistic skills and has completed many successful projects, including participating in “Dastaangoi” residency Islamabad (2021) and “The Peculiar City – Taaza Tareen 15th “, Vasl Artistic Association residency, Karachi (2023). Mubashar has also exhibited his work in several shows such as The Peculiar City Group Show at T2F Gallery (2023), Reprise at Canvas Gallery (2022), Silent/ Voice at O Art Space (2022), Before the End of Time at Canvas Gallery (2022), Dar- Aamad at O Art Space (2022), Khat-oKitababt at O Art Space (2021), Distance at O Art Space (2021), Short Stories at Gallery 12.O (2019), Reality & Mirror of Reality Ambassade De France Au Pakistan (2018) and “ 41” Zahoor ul Akhlaq NCA Gallery (2017). Mubashar currently resides in Lahore, Pakistan, where he continues to create art.
Niamat Nigar
Niamat Nigar, born in 1998, Loralai, Balochistan, is a visual artist, who lives and works in Lahore, Pakistan. Niamat graduated from the National College Of Arts, Lahore with a
distinction in 2021. He has exhibited his work nationally. Nigar was also part of Vasl Taza Tareen 15 artist residency in 2023.
Recently he conducted a week-long, non-profit Art workshop for local kids from his hometown. The workshop was aimed to inspire the younger generation to exploreartistic solutions.
Nigar will be a part of Gasworks artist residency from 3rd July 2023.
