There’s something inherently inspiring about textured paintings; one needn’t be up close to feel their impact, and Aqeel’s Soundscape ‘17 is exemplary of that. Mainly oil or acrylic on canvases, the larger-than-life artworks resonate to viewers hypnotically. And in the monochromatic mod aesthetic of Park Hyatt’s lobby, the vibrancy of the whole collection is a stark contrast, and catches the attention of whomever walks past.

Human touch

The collection features a spectrum of meditative pieces. On its own, Sound of Silence shows a synthesis of blue and purple strokes that emanate from a central Buddha figure. Meditation 1 and 2 feature sitar players. These pieces are particularly interesting; your brain cannot help but connect the texture upon them with the strum of a sitar. Meditation 2 has mixed medium traits, bringing the sitar player quite literally out of the painting.

Not all pieces are textured and Aqeel proves wise in switching it with some oil on canvas pieces such as Morning Raaga and Moonshine. By capturing these serene and silent times of the day and night, some moments of stillness are portrayed — a pleasant break from the flurry of sound.

However, it should be noted that Aqeel does not overwhelm the viewer with this technique; he employs substance only where needed as if to convey an epicentre from which frequencies originate.

Inspiration points

It is clear that Aqeel is heavily influenced by the music realm and his unrestricted colour palette consistently relaxes the viewer. He also revolves around landmark landscapes; his piece Glory/Golconda, an acrylic on canvas is fiery and an enlivening take on the historic heritage site. The texture is kept to a minimum except for some around the sun, ultimately warming up the piece. Transcendent, a mixed medium work, is a medley of colours in a typical landscape piece, showing even the most normal scene can hold beauty at some point.

He is not just touched by music but by society too; pieces such as Mudra and Fused are, despite their smaller size, an eyeful of ingenuity. These works capture dancers and musicians, and the texture that is encapsulated within them evokes a movement to them, bringing them to life. Jashn, cleverly done on circular canvas, is standout work for its portrayal of a drummer in the fervour of his routine, and the fiery colour family exudes the energy of the piece.

Aqeel’s approach to Soundscapes ‘17 shows an alacrity in his curation and a dexterity with his methodology. The collection is his most innovative and experimental one so far with a fair amount of nuance.

Aqeel’s exhibition ‘Soundscapes ‘17’ will be on display at the Lobby floor of Park Hyatt Hotel in Banjara Hills until July 23.