This one's for you, Mr Iqbal

Shikwa, written in 1903, was one of Allama Iqbal's most potent works dealing with the ineptitude of the 20th Century Muslim. Ironically, the work is relevant even today - a hundred years later.

The artist tries to capture the essence of the work by shaping the entire 180 odd lines of poetry in the form of a solitary flower staring heavenwards. The flower is ravaged, and yet a sense of past magnificence remains. It is on the verge of death, yet retains its dignity.

It stares heavenwards because it is in need of the rain. That 'rain' descending from the heaven is the artist's analogy for Jawab-e-shikwa. The Jawab is a second painting of the same dimension - 5ft by 5ft - and composed entirely of raindrops which reflect not only the second poem, but also a rejuvenated flower.

Umer M.

Shikwa In my favourite shalwaar sniffing turps. central facet from the flower

Click on the thumbnails

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