Asif Noori opens ‘Guardians of the Spirit’ exhibition at Artciti Gallery

Artciti Gallery recently opened its doors this week to an immersive art experience as painter Asif Noori unveiled his solo exhibition. “Guardians of the Spirit”. The collection includes 40 paintings inspired by Sufi thought, spirituality and the cultural heritage of the revered saints of Karachi.

The gallery, lit in blues, golds and warm earth tones, offered visitors a space shaped by reflection and mysticism. During the opening, Noori shared ideas about the exhibition, providing context beyond the visual experience.

“The theme of this exhibition is Sufism, or in other words, ‘Guardians of the Spirit,'” Noori explained to Express Tribune. “Whatever is precious must be protected. Our spirit, our goodness, our inner self, the Sufis devoted their lives to protecting these values.”

He spoke about the role of Sufi saints in guiding society away from hatred and extremism, fostering tolerance, compassion and unity. “They saved us from wandering. They created an environment of brotherhood. In that sense, they are the guardians of our society. They protect us spiritually, and that’s what I wanted to express through my art.”

Instead of painting the saints themselves, Noori focused on their shrines and spiritual sites in Karachi. “We don’t know what they looked like. I don’t want to assume or guess. I don’t want to feel guilty later and think, ‘Why did I paint them like that?’ So I painted their resting places, the places that still hold their presence.”

All works in the exhibition are acrylic on canvas, Noori’s preferred medium. “I use oil very rarely. Acrylic suits my style because I use a lot of color and this medium helps bring out the vibrancy I want.” He added that the bright colors of the sanctuary’s interiors inspired his palette to capture the spiritual warmth.

Visitors moved purposefully through the exhibition, noting the architectural details, layered colors and subtle play of light in Noori’s work. Some paintings suggested the stillness of worship music, while others depicted a dervish absorbed in ritual, emphasizing the connection between physical spaces and spiritual practice.

Attendees described the exhibition as thought-provoking and thoughtful, offering a visual perspective on the enduring legacy of Karachi’s Sufis.