City artist spreads Islamic message through canvas

Hyderabad: After making his mark in Saudi Arabia with his creative Islamic artwork, a city-based artist has embarked on a journey across India. His earnest desire remains consoling those who are broken by life, through his artwork. 

After successfully taking part in the 77th All India Annual Art Exhibition held in Hyderabad in January 2018, the artist and 'adman', Younus Mohamed Hafiz will be holding his solo exhibition of paintings on contemporary Islamic Art, named ‘Visual Dhikr’ for a week at Moinuddin Ahmad Art Gallery in Aligarh Muslim University from March 15. 

He says that ‘Visual Dhikr’ is an attempt to bring about an artistically and aesthetically soothing effect, while endeavoring to attract the viewer to engage in remembrance of God.  

“Visual Dhikr is the theme of my contemporary Islamic Art that revolves around with the influence of verses from Quran and Hadiths. The inherent beauty of Dhikr is there are no restrictions on the modality, frequency or timing of Dhikr. The only organ that can constantly perform Dhikr is the human heart,” he said. 

Younus M Hafiz, who had the opportunity to have studentship for a short period under legendary artist M F Husain, is a student of Arts (1971-76) from JNTU. He also held his first solo exhibition of paintings at Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata in March 1977.

However, in 1978, he ventured into the world of commercial art by joining his family business and showcased his talent and interests in the advertising business and later migrated to Saudi Arabia in 1991. He attended lectures by religious scholars in Saudi Arabia which inspired him to show the message of Islam through his ‘Visual Dhikr’ paintings.

“After 35 years of absence from the Art World, I restarted with Contemporary Islamic Art Paintings and Installation works. I managed to stay true to the aesthetic sensibilities without making any compromises with the sanctity of the holy text,” the artist explains.  

His exquisite painting ranges from the beautiful portray of the first human ‘Adam’ who was said to have descended from the heavenly abode and landed on the earth at a conical peak in Sri Pada in Sri Lanka well known as Adam’s Peak.

This painting was first shown in Jeddah during Islamiat 2016 Exhibition. The same was selected by the Ministry of Culture and Information, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Later the artist got the privilege and an honour to participate along with Saudi Arab artists.

A noteworthy painting is surrounded by real capsules and Dhikr is written in Arabic Calligraphy, titled as Medicine for Heart. Many coronary diseases can be controlled by medication. But the best way to prevent is the Dhikr of the Almighty Allah. 

The artist held solo exhibitions not only in Saudi Arabia, but in JNTU, Hyderabad in 2013. He participated in Art Exhibition held in Chicago in USA in 2016. After his solo exhibition in Aligarh Muslim University, he plans to exhibit the artwork in other North Indian States.

“I believe that my art is setting new trends in visual language with words. It was most challenging contemporary style, creatively mixed with calligraphy depicting the subject or message,” Younus added. 

By Md Nizamuddin