Karachi: On August 31 this year, the world bid farewell to an iconic artist of Karachi, Mohan Das. His demise caused an outpouring of grief not only in the artistic community but also among the countless fans he had collected over the years. His creative talent had left an indelible mark on the art world. To pay a befitting tribute to this extraordinary talent, Canvas Art Gallery has organized an exhibition titled “Tribute to Mohan Das“. This exhibition not only serves as a platform for art lovers but also an expression of gratitude to the late artist for his immense contribution to the field of art.
Mohan Das’s Artistic Legacy
One of the most remarkable aspects of Das’s artistic legacy was his remarkable ability to seamlessly blend history and modernity, classicism and contemporary, creating a unique and cohesive narrative that bridged disparate worlds.
This special talent is coming to the fore in the present exhibition. Works like ‘Illusion with Vincent van Gogh’ and ‘Mona Lisa with Gas Cylinder’ (acrylic on canvas) mesmerize art lovers. They offer a journey through time and reflection, inviting the viewer to become completely immersed in the artwork.
“Das dealt with a number of ideas, images and techniques that remain relevant since he investigated the link between the local and the foreign, between the indigenous and international in an unusual language.“
Quddus Mirza, Writer
However, showcasing his versatility, Mohan Das also presents ‘Sher Bahadur’ (graphite pencil on canvas), which pays homage to the film industry of a bygone era, free from excessive glitter. Here, culture takes center stage, emphasizing that aesthetics can complement storytelling in any style, even without exaggerated expressions.
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Mohan Das’s Background?
Mohan Das journey starts from the streets of Hyderabad, Sindh.
Mohan was born in Hyderabad, Sindh in 1976. He started his soul journey as a Cinema Board, Truck and Rickshaw painter with late Ustad Bhola, late Ustad Shamsheir, Ustad Yameen, late Ustad Asghar Ali, Rickshaw painters and Sir Fatah Hale Poto in Hyderabad. He was highly inspired by the work of Rickshaw painting in Hyderabad and Karachi. Mohas has done his BFA (hons) and MA (hons) in Fine Arts, with 1st division, in 1999 and 2002, respectively, from the University of Sindh. He has also served as a teacher or lecturer in various institutes, such as the Karachi School of Arts, Asian Institute of Fashion Design, Greenwich University and other institutions for a total period of 10 years. In his last days, he was affiliated with Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture for (CEP) Program and different workshops while also regularly participating in many exhibitions and shows. In 2008, Mohan had the honor of receiving the special Sadequain Award and an award by the PNCA in 2010. For the past 15 years, Mohan has been running his own art school, named The Fakhta School of Arts.
The subject of Das’s work is the humble rickshaw — an obsession that dates back to his childhood when he painted rickshaws in Hyderabad to earn a few rupees. Das about his work once said, “My art is a history of the rickshaw, a history of the drivers as well as my own personal history.”
Artist and critic Quddus Mirza wrote a poignant note for the exhibition reflecting on Das’s legacy: “His death is mournful, but not an unusual event, because every day, hour, minute, second, people are leaving the world. However, when we look back at the life of the departed, we question whether the person really disappeared or is still present in some form?“
It is a true tribute to a remarkable artist whose work continues to inspire and mesmerize audiences, ensuring that the artistic spirit of Mohan Das lives on.
The Karachi Artists Who Died Before 50
Penning words about an artist’s body of work when they departed this world before the age of 50 is a poignant endeavor. It transcends the realms of business and pleasure; it is an act of remembrance, a tribute to the extraordinary talent, skill, and intellect that illuminated their path. This artist, despite hailing from a humble background, navigating limited resources, and confronting formidable challenges, etched a name for themselves in the annals of art history.
In Pakistan, recognition is mostly an affair an artist enjoys after their life. And understanding and envisaging an artist work in it’s true sense is the real test society goes through. And Mohan Das is one of the very few artists that has put society through this test once again.
Ramiz Nadir