The Council
Acrylic on Wasli Paper
94.5 x 54.5 cm
2014
In the collection of Aamir Butt
Hailing from Sindh, Pakistan – the region that has a rich history and culture spread over centuries Irfan Gul Dahri takes his basic inspiration from the Ustad-Shagird (mentor-apprentice) relationship, sharing the traditional wisdom and essence of Sufi (mystic) intellect along with contemporary concerns dwelling within the simplicities of life. Based on real life incidents, behaviors, dreams and thoughts which reflect us all – his work narrates the stories of human relationship, traditional family structures, childhood traumas, patriarchal manipulation and familial bonding. Affection and warmth are camouflaged with universally understood notions of uncertainty, fear, trust and love to create imaginary yet real compositions that are open to several readings. Forming the similar relationship based on the push and pull of tradition and modernity his technique takes its roots from sub-continent’s labour-intensive tradition of Miniature Painting developed further with contemporary mediums and esthetics to satisfy the formal concerns of his subject matter.
Dahri holds a Masters in Visual Art from National College of Arts and was awarded with Charles Wallace Visiting Artist Fellowship 2013/14 to study in Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London. He received the Chughtai Award and Principal’s Honors Award in 2003 for academic excellence in B. Design from National College of Arts where he teaches as permanent faculty. Dahri has been exhibiting his work in Pakistan, Dubai, Singapore, England and India. He lives and works in Lahore, Pakistan.
Photo Credits | Irfan Gul Dahri