Usama bin Murad’s creative whimsies seem to invite art lovers with aesthetics eyes to walk right into an exhibition pregnant with pieces of wooden furniture on display. The gallery nestled in a lush green surrounding at Chak Shahzad farms blended well with the pieces put on show. The rustic walls of the site too, complemented the wooded artefacts which the designer has baptized in a very creative and classic manner. The renaissance end tables, slate end tables, vintage almirah, classical coffee table and the neo-classical leaf coffee table took the visitors on a medieval journey and made them a royalty being served in one of the umpteen rooms in a castle located at the outskirts of Scotland. The manicured garden at the Chak Shahzad farms  complimented well, the country coffee tables, country kitchen island, garden tables set, aptly   suited to relax on a sunny day, with a book of one’s choice and enjoy a hot cup of tea in earl flavour. The renaissance table lamps, intricately designed in wrought iron case pegged in the marble base on a wooden slate made a statement for the guests. The craftsmanship, the architect cum furniture designer has put into work, speaks for itself. This exhibition translates the imagination of the designer whose creations are not just for sale but appreciated by his peers as well. All the work on exhibit is made with incredible precision so they also have the quality of fine engineering, particularly the way separate pieces like stone, iron and wood are joined together or have different forms of hinge.
Usama’s first exhibition of household furniture was held 25 years ago and became a regular feature for the denizens of Islamabad. He has also showcased his work in Middle East which earned him accolades internationally. “Due to Covid, it was not practically possible for him to hold an exhibition so he got time to work on different techniques and formations during this period and this is the reason that there is more than just chairs and tables for the salivating eyes, appreciating the work. Usama’s magnum opus has always been wrought iron, wood and stones makeover into a piece of art which a lay man calls “furniture.” The exhibition is open for one week and the designer can be contacted at 0333-5116674.