KARACHI: It is astounding how artists find a meaningful relationship between text and images in a way that they look mutually appealing.

But then there are occasions when both seem to create a tension that imparts a new sense to the link between the written word and the drawn image. Either way, it`s a fascinating study.

An exhibition of Ghulam Mohammad`s striking artworks titled Taleef (compilation), which concluded at the Canvas Art Gallery on Thursday, is a good example of how the ability to read and write and the visual medium gain strength from each other.

Looking at the exhibits, one is reminded of the greatest Urdu poet Asadullah Khan Ghalib`s oeuvre.

Before that, it would be wise to know what the artist has to say about his effort: `I investigate the complex interplay between language and identity across cultural, historical and contemporary contexts. The gradual erosion of a language fractures one`ssense ofself, creating aprofoundrupture that is both disorienting and inescapable. This fragmentation forms the foundation of my artistic inquiry.

There is a clear concern here. What is the `erosion of language`? It is not that complicated to answer. Languageis a mode of communication and gives us our distinct identity. There is another important factor attached to it: voice. When we speak or write, we use our voices. Therefore, if a language gets eroded, it may divest society of its voice.

Ghulam Mohammad from the getgo raises all these questions, that is, from the exhibit called `Uqda` (paper collage and Iranian ink on wasli). He does that with a great deal of finesse.

His art is delicate. When the viewer gets immersed in it, the delicateness gives way to profundity. Yes, he talks about the limitation of a zabaan, too, vis-à-vis individuals` experiences, but the focus from linguistic sensitivities never wavers.

Now back to Ghalib. Some of theartworks are named `Naqsh` (mark), `Mahw` (immersion) and `Tahayyur` (astonishment). As words, they figure in Ghalib`s poetry with power and meaningfulness. Interestingly, while Ghulam Mohammad is discussing what`s happening to language, he by giving his artworks beautiful titles is making the viewer familiar with the magic that words can conjure and, in the process, enrich our lives.