ISLAMABAD: Human arms protruding from airplanes, figures riddled with bullets and red blood depict artist Imran Mudassar`s impressions of war.

The Lahore-based artist was deeply influenced by his visit to war-torn Afghanistan, some years ago.

Mudassar`s solo show titled `Moving Landscapes II` opened at Khaas Gallery on Tuesday evening, and included a mix of old and new works in multimedia, photography, painting and drawing.

His work is a critique on culture, politics and society. `In my recent works, I have tried to comment on war and other means of destruction which affect our lives,` he said.

Mudassar graduated from the National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore, in 2008. In this exhibition, he juxtaposes stylised images of human organs and military hardware with motifs from Islamic art. This creative juxtaposition appears subtle on the canvas but manages to create tension and disturb the viewer.

`The works depict the idea of life and death,` Imran Mudassar told his guests at the show. A visitor to the show, Fadhil Yousafzai, said there was immense creativity and skill in the artist`s work. An artist himself, Mr Yousafzai, said: `One can see how much patient and time went into each piece on display.

Another visitor, Quratulain, who is graphic designer, found the works which combined digital printing and painting very interesting. `It is contemporary art and alot of artists are doingit these days.

Combining mediums adds more volume to a piece,` she said.

Quratulain said she likes the contrast of black and white in the work.

Another visitor to the show said she would like Mudassar`s work on display at her house. `These pieces compel you to study them in detail,` she said.

Although Imran Mudassar majored in printmaking, but drifted away from the genre as he saw it limiting his creativity.

`My interest particularly grew in photography and printmaking and both genres can be seen in these works,` said Imran Mudassar.

A similar exhibition called `Moving Landscapes I` is simultaneously on display in Dubai, the artists informed the visitors to the show.

Another visitor, Pervez Ahmad, believed the works were `quite intriguing`.

`The artist`s imagination stands out.

The details are very interesting,` he said.

Imran Mudassar has held solo and group shows at home and abroad and his works are in Pakistan, UK, India, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

The show will continue till April 20.Jamal Shahid