MIXED UP VIEWS
The work of Ali Raza evolves with the interaction of diverse ideas taken from a variety of visual sources. It is a synthesis of varied subject matters driven by historical events, Indian miniature painting, social issues that shape modern day Pakistan and popular and mass culture. Yet, these extremely thought provoking pieces express a specific element of satire and humour.
Ali Raza combines images of both popular and elitist culture in art, with emphasis on the banal or kitschy elements inspired from ancient, South Asian and international post-capitalist cultures. At times, his art places emphasis on the academic roots as seen in his acrylic canvases, at others, he resorts to techniques that downplay the expressive hand of the artist as in Door and Blackboard. The latter, convey a sense of fragility and are bound by time.
Ali Raza seeks to liberate himself from the narrow confines of a particular art form refusing to be bound by a given stylistic approach.
The artist today negotiates sharpening contradictions as he/she moves between locations. The rapidity and frequency with which these dislocations occur, introduces a new circumstance into the artist’s existence. The absence or proliferation of context creates the possibility of multilayering from memories to rootedness, still others from the swiftness of transition. Ali Raza’s works are open to both imperatives.
CATALOG