Fantasy Scene

Tassaduq Sohail (1930 – 2017, Pakistan) “Fantasy Scene” (1994) Acrylic paint and mixed media on paper, signed and dated by the artist in the lower right. The image measures 23.25 x 18 inches, and with mat and frame, it is 30.5 x 24.5 inches. Sohail was born and raised in Pakistan but studied art in London and lived in the U.K. for 40 years before finally returning to Pakistan. This surrealistic but timeless fantasy scene depicts a landscape inhabited by animals, birds, and fish in various proportions and colors. A nude woman is seen in a doorway standing in front of a horse that is apparently on the inside, while clothed and cloaked men with walking sticks seem to be on a journey ascending the structure. The central portion of the image appears to be embellished with embossed textile. Overlooking the landscape is a disproportionately large butterfly, an oversized bird as well as a smaller bird perched atop an evil-eye-like symbol. So much detail and imagery can be seen in this fascinating work of art.