Surrender to Mercy: Final Works by Muhammad Zaman

Zaman’s work solidified over a decade ago around an affirmation of life. Again and again, in moments when violence was carried out in the name of power, slaying innocents as collateral to a nation’s war against its own shadow. Zaman’s work insistent, undeniable was to say there is beauty in the lives that we ignore, and humanity. That innate sense of the preciousness of life takes on new dimension now.

The works in Surrender to Mercy were all made while Zaman knew that he was going to die. Some of these were made on good days. He relocated his studio from his longtime residence at Buffalo Arts Studio to his home, where he could paint whenever it was physically possible to do so. These paintings are evidence of will and vision. Zaman says his hand has become more assured in this time, less careful plotting of his calligraphic script, less time wasted in doubt and bullshit. Some works, Zaman’s drawings made in the waiting rooms of Roswell or in hospital beds, are the literal inscription of time lived. Taking a line for a walk, it leads you by the hand, out of fear into grace.

Beebe’s at The Gallery is now open for walkthroughs and bookings during regular hours, Wednesday to Friday, from 11am-5pm