1. Bibliographic Note
Salman Farooqi (b.1979) is a Karachi based artist known for his vibrant and expressive paintings that draw deeply from his urban surroundings. He holds a Four-Year Diploma in Fine Arts with distinction from the Karachi School of Art from 1994 to 1998 and has a distinguished career in the arts spanning over two decades. Salman has showcased his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally. His solo exhibitions have been held at prestigious venues such as ArtCiti (Karachi), Ejaz Art Gallery (Lahore), The Collectors Galleria (Lahore), Tanzara Gallery (Islamabad), Gulmohar Art Gallery (Karachi), and Native Art Gallery (Lahore). His work has also been featured in shows across Bahrain, Singapore, Canada, UAE, the US embassy in Pakistan and various prominent galleries in the country.
2. Artist Statement
My goal, as an artist, is to create works with three attributes: artistic merit, intellectual worth, and
visual splendor. Art needs to hold appeal at various levels. I love paintings that have a profusion of color, an abundance of energy, and a whole lot of optimism.
Being born and raised in Karachi, a city full of contrasts, movement, and raw vibrancy, has had a profound impact on my visual language. The layered urban landscapes have become a source of inspiration. Much of the imagery in my work emerges from these surroundings, where everyday life pulses with untold stories and hidden beauty.
My works represent, to a large degree, simplification. I use basic shapes to present the true essence and meaning of the scenes that I paint, using abstract shapes and forms. To me, the idea behind a painting is far more important than traditional techniques. I don’t wish to create works that look like photographs; realistic and visually accurate, but lacking in meaning, energy, and emotional depth.
I am an optimist and a believer in life. My work is therefore light-hearted and festive. I do not wish to convey sadness through art, and strive to depict beauty, energy, and vitality that is not readily visible in everyday scenes. My paintings are intended to be celebrations of happiness, positivity, and cheerfulness.
While my paintings may have decorative appeal, they are not intended merely as adornments. They should add spirit and presence to the rooms in which they are displayed. To me, artistic substance and aesthetic charm are not mutually exclusive and the value of art is in its accessibility, not just to a select few but everyone in their own unique way.
Salman Farooqi
3. Artwork Review
Salman Farooqi, born in Karachi, is a talented artist who graduated with distinctions from the Karachi School of Ar t. Salman hos showcased his work in group exhibitions and solo shows In various art galleries.
His paintings are full of refreshing energy, with skillfully stylized forms and geometric configurations. The smooth lines and bold compositions create brilliant effects and captivate the eye. While Salman experiments with realism, modernism and Impressionistic landscapes his current exhibition focuses on cityscapes and realism.
Salman Farooqi’s abstract and cubist approach is a delight for many art critics, who see his brush as a wand conjuring a symphony of myriad colored planes on canvases. Upon completing paintings rooted In reality, he subtly distorts them using squares, giving his realistic pieces cubic forms that ore Immediately striking and carry symbolic significance. Some artworks distinctly portray complete forms of various objects, such as houses, poles, electricity wires, buildings, and the setting sun, while others embrace abstract representations.
Guided by exceptional creativity, Salman Farooqi shapes delineative and depletive forms, convincing observers that the skewed objects ore tangible realities. While delicate lines characterize his work, bold colors emerge as he applies paint in thin layers, maintaining the brilliance and clarity of hues. The sun gracefully appears behind buildings, and electric wires and poles ploy crucial roles, occupying significant spaces within the paintings.
4. Credentials
Solo Show
2023 Artciti, Karachi
2018 Artscene,Karachi
2016 Artciti, Karachi
2016 Reviver’s Art Gallery, Lahore
2015 Artscene, Karachi
2014 Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore
2012 The Collector’s Galleria, Lahore
2011 Tanzara Gallery, Islamabad
2010 The Collector’s Galleria, Lahore
2009 The Collector’s Galleria, Lahore
2006 Gulmohar Art Gallery, Karachi
2006 Native Art Gallery, Lahore
2005 Shakeel Ismail Art Gallery, Karachi
Group Shows
2018 US Embassy, Karachi
2011 Art Within and Beyond Pakistan, Bahrain
2011 Art Fusion from Pakistan, Singapore
2011 Tri Group Show, Reviver’s Art Gallery, Lahore
2009 Reality of Art, Canada
2009 Showcase, Dubai
2008 4 Wall, Dubai
2006 Unicorn Art Gallery, Karachi
2006 Momart Gallery, Karachi
2005 Gulmohar, Karachi
2005 Unicorn Art Gallery, Karachi
2005 Urban Voices, Sheraton, Karachi
2005 Louvre Gallery, Karachi
2004 Image Art Gallery, Karachi
AWARDS
Distinction in painting Karachi School of Arts, Karachi 1998
First prize in painting Gulmhar Art gallery, Karachi 2005