NAU, NAU, DOH, CHAAR at Tŷ Pawb Art Gallery

This Summer, Tŷ Pawb Art Gallery in Wrexham will unveil a retrospective exhibition by Welsh multidisciplinary artist Liaqat Rasul, “NAU, NAU, DOH, CHAAR” (Urdu for 9924) curated by Lewis Dalton Gilbert, inviting visitors to embark on a transformative journey into the captivating world of Rasul’s artistry. The showcase celebrates the homecoming and remarkable artistic evolution of Rasul, marking a significant milestone in his career and homecoming reconnecting him with his roots and early experiences.

Image: Liaqat Rasul at Bow Arts, photography courtesy of Ejatu Shaw.

Deeply intertwined with the world of market trading, Rasul’s upbringing and heritage played a pivotal role in shaping his life and career. By the age of 11, he had assumed the role of ‘window dresser’ in his family business at the Beast Market, Vegetable Market and Butchers Market. This early exposure to Wrexham’s market environment not only provided him with practical skills but also instilled a profound understanding of the market’s dynamics, the art of presentation, and the significance of commerce in the community.

Image: 'Present' 2021, photography courtesy of Liaqat Rasul Studio.

Marking the artists’ first solo institutional showcase, the exhibition at Tŷ Pawb offers a poignant reflection of how one’s upbringing and early experiences can leave an indelible mark on their identity and creative journey. From a sea of suspended mannequins clothed with handcrafted archive garments from Rasul’s fashion label Ghulam Sakina, to a line-up of repurposed market stalls playing host to Rasul’s ephemeral creations, the exhibition meticulously traces the trajectory of Rasul’s artistic journey, from his roots as a visionary fashion designer to the instantly recognisable and impactful work that defines him today. His signature abstract mobiles faces which challenge traditional portraiture are staged alongside vibrant collages thoughtfully crafted  from found materials, prompting the viewer to pause and contemplate the diverse influences and threads of memory and experience found within.

Image: 'Build' 2021, photography courtesy of Liaqat Rasul Studio.