Samina Vine

Pakistan has been identified as part of the South Asian belt to be most affected by climate change globally. The phenomenon puts heavy responsibility on the shoulders of Pakistan’s youth; unpredictable weather patterns, landslides, torrential rain and drought are all part and parcel of our future, and it is therefore inevitable (and a sign of hope) that amongst the many professions to have taken up the challenge of bringing awareness and giving voice  to this unfolding dilemma, are emerging artists such as the inspiring Karim Ahmed Khan.

Brought up in Hunza and Gilgit in the 1990’s, Khan grew up watching epic glaciers, of which the famous Pasu glaciers is one, shrink from infinite rivers of ice to alarmingly smaller entities. He derives comfort in nature, ascribed to a childhood spent in fairy tale forests, lakes and valleys. Increasingly, as climate change takes its toll and visible signs of destruction and change become manifest, Khan turns more and more to his chosen form of expression to bring attention to what will be the plight of our fabled northern areas if immediate action is not initiated.

Graduating with a specialization in sculpture from the National College of Arts, Lahore, in 2015, Khan explored synthetic mediums and their connection and contradictions with nature. The use of transparent acrylic glue as a sculptural medium elicited much appreciation. The strands of transparent glue became spider webs or acted as joints holding pieces that were far away of falling apart. Khan took to painting after graduating, continuing to crate poetry through his manner of expression. Today, he has accumulated a sizeable pragmatic practice that encompasses the three dimensionality of sculpture as well as the flatness of painting.

In his paintings, Khan initially used charcoal as his preferred medium of expression, complimenting imagery depicting dark pine tree trunks. As his practice progressed, he began to paint in coloured flowers beginning to sprout and bloom out of the darkness. Khan’s current show at O Art Space marks progression from dark silhouettes to full colour depictions of nature as the artist observes and comments on his environment. Buds and flowers sprouting on contrasting surfaces make for a message of hope and love. Simultaneously, Khan continues to explore his thesis practice at his home studios in Gilgit and Hunza, bridging and joining nature through acrylic glue installations.

Karim Ahmed Khan continues to expand his art practice continuously, choosing to work in the cradle of the Himalayan mountains, giving voice to the exponential changes he observes enveloping his beloved environment. Recognised for excellence through the Nigaar and Arjumand Awards, and nominated for the Sovereign prize, Khan has shown extensively globally and in Pakistan, with shows in all major Pakistani cities as well as London, New York, Lisbon, Switzerland and Dubai.

Caption

Flowers in flight | Gouache & charcoal on Arches Paper 15 x 23 inches each| 2024

Promise of tomorrow, Gouache & charcoal on Arches

Paper 11 x 15 inches, 2024

Dawn, Gouache & charcoal on Arches Paper 23 x 15 inches, 2024

Ethereal Bloom, Gouache & charcoal on Arches Paper 15 x 23 inches, 2024

Beginning, Acrylic on Arches paper 15 x 15 inches, 2024