Only Sound and Sacred Geometry: The Metal Sculptures of Burhan Khan

Exhibition Details

Location: Agora Gallery, 530 West 25th St, Chelsea, New YorkDates: December 29, 2016 – January 18, 2017Opening Reception: Thursday, December 29, 2016, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMGallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PMEvent URL: Agora Gallery - Burhan Khan

About Burhan Khan

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Burhan Khan's journey as an artist is marked by a defiance of popular culture. His quest for artistic freedom led him to the UK, where he earned a degree from the University for the Creative Arts. Initially, Khan ventured into the fashion industry, where he developed a unique aesthetic that juxtaposed the natural and industrial worlds. However, in 2011, he decided to close his fashion label to focus on his artistic development.

Artistic Evolution

Khan's current work transcends traditional fashion illustration, bringing it to life through large-scale metal sculptures. These figures are intricately "shaded" with over 9,000 meters of thread, which Khan describes as a "network of energy." This thread breathes life into his creations, which he envisions as existing in a seventh dimension where only sound and sacred geometry prevail. His art reflects a nomadic and tribal sensibility, mirroring his own rejection of a permanent home.

Academic Contributions

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Burhan Khan serves as a visiting professor at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design in Lahore, Pakistan. His academic role allows him to inspire and mentor the next generation of artists and designers.

Enigmatic Realms: Endless Worlds

Agora Gallery's "Enigmatic Realms" exhibition features the work of eight contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds, including Pakistan, Switzerland, and Argentina. The exhibition explores various themes and styles, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expression.

Featured Artists

• Graciela Bosoglanian
• Burhan Khan
• Franck Sastre
• Viccas
• Philippe Thélin
• Judith Tawil
• Magda Hanna
• Mikele Arapi

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition showcases a wide range of artistic styles and mediums:

• Fashion Illustrations in Metal: Burhan Khan's life-sized metal sculptures, each an abstracted female figure, explore the human body with sensitivity and depth.
• Organic Materials: Some artists use only organic materials, creating evocative and detailed images that rival traditional paintings.
• Diverse Depictions: The human body is depicted in various forms, from neon bouquets of colorful shapes to stained-glass-like jewels and allegorical figures.
• Varied Scenes: The artworks capture a range of settings, from farms and cities to kitchens and offices, highlighting the diversity of human experience.

Unique Insights

One fascinating aspect of Khan's work is his use of thread as a "network of energy." This concept aligns with the idea of sacred geometry, which has been studied for centuries for its spiritual and symbolic significance. Sacred geometry is often associated with the belief that certain geometric shapes and proportions have inherent spiritual meanings and can be found in nature, art, and architecture.

Conclusion

Burhan Khan's metal sculptures offer a unique blend of fashion illustration and intricate metalwork, creating a captivating visual experience. His work, along with that of the other featured artists in "Enigmatic Realms," invites viewers to explore diverse worlds and perspectives. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary exhibition at Agora Gallery.

For more information on sacred geometry and its significance, you can refer to National Geographic's article on Sacred Geometry.

Sources:

1. Agora Gallery - Burhan Khan
2. National Geographic - Sacred Geometry