Salman Ikram's ceramics at VM Gallery
Daily News, Saturday, March 11, 2000
An exhibition of ceramics by Salman Ikram opened at VM Art Gallery on 28th Feb. and would run through 24th March 2000. Eighty-four pieces of ceramics on display at the exhibition hall are an example of very delicate and neat work. They give a look of antiquity and some of the pieces surpass the refinement of old finds of Mesopotamian pottery.
Salman's work is an amalgamation of mud and gold. He starts with clay and ends up with glazes and gold creating abstract images and calligraphy on his pots. To create an impression of antiquity, he over-glazes some of his pieces. He creates his large but delicate pieces in layers using potter's wheel, except for a few works, which are made with cast technique. One of his vases with handles is like a human figure for the artist. He explains it having lip, neck, belly and foot. With large bellies, his pieces stand on very narrow foot and still they stand firm.
Salman works with his clay like a miniature painter. One can find all the qualities of a miniature painting in his pottery. Certain pieces remind one of designer's service. A student of National College of Arts, Lahore Salman graduated in 1999. He studied Product and Ceramics at college and had the good luck to learn from Peter Wilson, a renowned ceramist from Australia. From him he learnt the art of making his own recipes. He explores internet also to find new techniques and recipes for clay and glazes and experiments with them. His works on display include his thesis works also as is common with the new graduates. Still one can see a promise in Salman of having bright prospects in the ceramic industry as a designer.
Daily News, Saturday, March 11, 2000
