Each artist has created an artwork, which connects him/her to Ussman's work. Thus creating collaborative artworks in which artists interpret their feelings through Ussman's work. Hence every artist's perception reflects along with Ussman's work.
The art pieces that Ussman has left behind incomplete in different mediums such as paintings, prints, ceramics, metal and textile and some other materials, which he would complete if life given him a chance were distributed among artists willing to further explore Ussman's ideas and finish the artworks thus continuing the dialogue once started by Ussman.
Using existing elements in his paintings and sculptures the artists tried to continue his dialogue and also create a dialogue within an existing dialogue. The space he left is filled by his artist friends and other junior artists but the way Ussman use his colours, material and text is a challenge for them. His styles of work engulf them in to timelessness and they tried their best to paint and draw as close as possible to his styles.
Abdul Jabbar Gull who is a member of an advisory committee of this project also participated in the show. He created some elements with wood and metal to support two beautiful fish casts in fiberglass given to him and created a dialogue of his own with Ussman's. Some of the artists who participated in the event include Aasim Akhtar, Meher Afroz, Nahid Raza, Anwer Saeed, Ali Azmat, Farrukh Shahab, G. N. Qazi, Masood A. Khan, Mugeez Riaz, Noorjehan Bilgrami, R.M.Naeem, and many more who consider Ussman and his work dear.
The exhibition is a novel idea and a true celebration of an artist's work and recognition of his role in our country's art circle. The glimpses of Ussman's thoughts merge with other artist's thought results in a diverse body of work. Thus each integrated artwork is a fusion of Ussman's concepts with that of another artist. And the outcome that emerged after the fusion is in fact very stimulating.
The artists also search themselves in these unfinished artworks because in a way these complete artworks are now pieces of two personalities. Each artist completed the work, as they understand the previous work of Ussman and translate their understanding in completing the other half of the work.
As Ussman was a creative artist who likes experimenting completing his artworks was a tough experience for many. It is also very hard to work or someone else's work especially when the artist has so many dimensions and interests. He was a curious person by nature who enthuse to explore every medium. He therefore left behind a considerable body of works-in-progress that spanned over a decade.
Individually every artist has tried their best and in my view have also succeeded in providing a meaning and clear concept to unfinished artworks of Ussman. These efforts also show that our artists' community is very sensitive and caring and don't forget the efforts and work of their peers.
The outcome of these enthusiastic artists work proves that the dialogue continues and they succeed in preserving Ussman's legacy.
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