1X1 Art Gallery has organised Paths of Transcendence, the debut solo exhibition of Pakistani artist Safdar Ali Qureshi in Dubai. On display are his intricate abstract works, which explore the intricate relationship between nature, humanity, and memory. The show will be available for viewing until 31 October 2024.
Ali Qureshi draws on Impressionist techniques, using bold, repetitive brushstrokes and bright colours on wasli paper. His pieces layer and blend these elements, creating striking imagery that captures nature’s beauty and resilience in the face of destruction.

The artist’s miniature paintings are a delicate interplay of multiple short strokes, layered to form swirling patterns. His distinctive use of line work traverses its traditional role in defining form or emotion, instead creating complex, airy compositions that reflect the simplicity and intricacy of our interconnected modern world. These works mirror the layered nature of contemporary life, employing abstraction to engage with a generational familiarity with complexity.
From a distance, Ali Qureshi’s pieces appear as dynamic shapes, but closer examination reveals a web of carefully placed lines, challenging the viewer to decode their structure. These “notations” capture fragments of daily life, encouraging the audience to connect their own experiences with these orderly yet playful compositions. The artist’s work invites intellectual and imaginative engagement, offering a profound exploration of complexity through rhythm, abstraction, and lightness.

Ali Qureshi’s art is not only a response to physical devastation but also an intimate reflection on his memories. The Paths of Transcendence collection prompts one to witness the emotional and environmental aftermath of the devastating floods in Sindh, Pakistan, presenting a powerful commentary on the intersection of nature, humanity, and memory.
About the artist
Safdar Ali Qureshi (b. 1980, Larkana, Pakistan), who resides in Pakistan, earned a BFA from the National College of Arts (Lahore, Pakistan) in 2005, specialising in traditional miniature painting. Currently, he teaches miniature painting as a visiting faculty member at the Centre of Excellence in Arts Design, MUET (Jamshoro, Pakistan).

After graduation, Ali Qureshi began experimenting with narrow colour palettes and abstract compositions. His current works are defined by dashes and monochromatic schemes. They directly respond to his experiences, capturing his memories in swirling and overlapping layers. In his practice, the artist also addresses unresolved societal, political, economic, and religious issues, reflecting universal concerns.
To get more information about Paths of Transcendence, please go to the official website of 1X1 Art Gallery.
In addition, you might be interested in viewing Fahrelnissa and the Institutes: Towards a Sky, one of the online exhibitions at the Cultural Foundation.
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