See Through

Muhammad Ali Khan was Born and raised in Lahore and Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, his artistic journey has been an exploration of cultural essence through various mediums of portraits. Ali paint with passionate spans of acrylics, oils, pastels, and more while crafting portraits that transcend mainstream expressionism and stories through vibrant colors, gestures and dynamic fabric experimentations. Inspired by the culturally rich style of portraying people Ali knows, his art delves into the heart of his hometown’s Desi culture, intertwining it seamlessly into his canvases by incorporating stitched fabric as a fusion that defines distinctiveness. Ali’s pursuit of Art and Design during his A-levels at LGS JT Lahore further refines his skills. Delving into anatomy through portfolios, Ali made visits to workshops and galleries, nurturing an understanding of form and expression. Fueled by this passion for art, he took the bold step of establishing a business to showcase and sell his pieces that embody Ali’s artistic perspective, resonating with individualism. Against the backdrop of stereotypical expectations, the unwavering support of his family became the wind beneath his wings. Their encouragement pushes him forward, shaping him into the artist He is today. Grateful for the profound fulfillment portraiture brings, Ali continues to hone his creation, embracing each stroke as a manifested, artistic vision.

In the self-portrait, ‘See Through’, Ali reflected the multitudes of a subjective expression: Frustration, all through a deceptive facade of calm. The dominant blue, layered with titanium white lights and dark phthalo blue shadows, subtly narrates the tale of laying atop a metaphorical silver mountain of burden. The silver leaf paper beneath, overlooked, represents a pile of burdens, forming the foundation upon which my portrait rests. The portrayal captures a sense of hopelessness, accentuated by yellow threads that stitch through the image, symbolizing moments of joy attempting to conceal the insecurities portrayed in blue. The external world perceives a facade, a carefully crafted image of his portraits as it appears upfront. Amidst the acrylic softness and the blank canvas, Ali’s black hair adds to the complexity, mirroring the layers of emotion embedded within the self-portrait to bring contrast. The silver eyes, one subtly woven with yellow thread, serve as a symbol, reflecting the gradual occupation of the burdens upon the self-portrait, as it seems in the artwork. The subjectivity to interpret remains throughout.