A solo show by Rashid Rana

A solo show by Rashid Rana at London based Lisson Gallery highlights large-scale photographic works that he considers ‘unpacking abstraction’. From a distance, they appear akin to richly textured, patterned abstract compositions. However, on closer inspection, each of them is revealed to be formed from thousands of smaller context specific digital images that offset the perceived serenity of the larger image.

His works revolve around a subtle simultaneous exploration of media and identity – both bound by a sharp political edge as he satirizes pop culture and looks to reinterpret varied elements of art and cultural history. It deals with everyday issues encompassing a wide range of themes from urbanization and popular culture to faith and tradition. His new media projects are a visual commentary and parody of socio-political scenarios.

The artist often employs video installations and still photography. A case in point is his series of composite photomontages in which each main image is constructed out of countless smaller photos of diametrically opposite subjects. The viewer confronts a moment of sudden withdrawal after moving closer to the picture when one becomes aware of the many miniature images that constitute the larger one. He does not like to be tagged as a photographer, sculptor or video-artist. He explains: “I trained as a traditional painter, but I like the freedom to use any kind of medium. I don’t like hard divides.”

As part of his new show, a photographic sculpture ‘Books’ (UV Inkjet print on aluminum) features images of books layered on blocks that themselves resemble books. It both maps and manipulates the distance between idea and object, representation and reality. Here the artist challenges our understanding of three-dimensional forms through the use of pixilated imagery. The shift between two and three dimensionality is further explored in a large-scale stainless steel cube sliced through with a photographic mosaic of image fragments.