Karachi, Pakistan — In her latest exhibition titled Mitti, artist Sayeda M. Habib invites viewers on a meditative journey through clay, colour, and sacred symbolism. Presented at Canvas Gallery, Karachi, the collection intricately explores the spiritual and elemental link between the human soul and the earth beneath our feet.
Rooted in ancient traditions and religious context, Mitti draws inspiration from a verse in Surat al-Anam (The Cattle) in the Quran, which reflects on the creation of mankind from clay. This core idea shapes the ethos of the exhibit, portraying mitti (earth) not only as a tangible medium but also as a profound metaphor for origin, existence, and divine connection.
Habib’s artistic technique itself mirrors natural processes. Using natural pigments sourced from hand-ground rocks and allowing clay to dry organically on plates, she emulates the slow erosion and exposure of sediment layers—reminiscent of how landscapes evolve over time. This method materializes visually in the Landmass series, which presents aerial-like views of cultivated terrains bordered by calming blues and greens, echoing the earth’s surface from a divine perspective.
Central to Habib’s compositions is the use of oval and elliptical forms, symbolizing wholeness, continuity, and sacred geometry. In her Sacred Earth series, the Ka’aba, the holiest structure in Islam rests immovably at the center of each frame, anchoring changing surroundings with timeless spiritual significance.
In Chi, a piece inspired by the concept of vital life energy, dynamic motion and geometric vibrance conjure the presence of unseen energetic forces that animate nature. Meanwhile, Water of Love contrasts with gentler lines and softer tones, evoking emotional flow, nurturing energy, and transformation through love.
Her Underworlds I-IV series delves into the mystical, unseen layers of existence the baatin or hidden realm. These darker, subdued compositions suggest formation, gestation, and growth within the earth, celebrating darkness as the cradle of life and not its absence.
Overall, Mitti is a visual homage to the earth’s sacredness and its intrinsic link to human spirituality. Through natural materials and thoughtful symbolism, Sayeda M. Habib reminds us of our roots and the reverence we owe to the land we come from.
The exhibition ran from May 28 to June 6, 2024, at Canvas Gallery, Karachi.
Original Source Acknowledgment:
This summary is a reworded interpretation of an article originally written by Amna Nizar and published in Dawn EOS. You can access the original piece here: EXHIBITION: HALLOWED GROUND – Dawn