Italian move revives interest in K2

Published in Pakistan Observer (11 Sept. 2013)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Reviving Italy’s hundred years love for K2 which first began with Filippo De Filippi’s 1913 expedition to the majestic mountains, an enlightening event was held here at National Art Gallery in Islamabad that comprised of a photo exhibit, film festival and a scientific conference.

The photo exhibit ‘Rediscovering the abode of snow’– a tribute to scientific expedition by Filippo De Filippi – features some 300 high resolution enlargements of the original photographs depicting the natural landscape and the pioneering scientific works of De Filippi. The Exhibition is part of the four-day event (Sept. 9-10 in Islamabad and Sept. 12-13 in Skardu), jointly organized by the Ev-K2-CNR Committee, the SEED project, Karakorum International University (KIU) with the patronage of the Italian embassy in Islamabad to celebrate the bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Italy.

Upper Baltoro - Photo taken by Filippo De Filippi (1912) -
Photo Courtesy: Italian Embassy Facebook Page

“The Karakorum range and the K2 have been familiar names in Italy for very long time, creating an ideal bridge between our two countries” shared Head of the Cultural Affairs at the Italian Embassy, Federido Bianchi recalling great Italian explorers like the Duke of Abruzzi and Count Ardito Desio.

Photographs of Onart reveal a picturesque Turkey

Turkey: Land where Climates, People and Cultures meet

(Published in Pakistan Observer)

Sana Jamal

Courtesy: Google Images

ISLAMABAD - Viewing Turkey through the lens of Erkut Onart was pleasantly refreshing for many as the photographs reflected a Turkey, culturally rich and diverse. Erkut Onart's photography exhibition titled “Turkey: the land where climates, people and cultures meet” that opened here at Satrang Gallery was attended by art enthusiast and diplomats.

Mr. Onart himself, H.E Babur Hizlan, Ambassador of Turkey, and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly were the chief guests at the occasion. The exhibition is first of the events as part of the cultural activities between Pakistan and Turkey. “2013-2014 would be celebrated as the Cultural Years of Turkey in Pakistan and Pakistan in Turkey to strengthen the ties of the two countries” said the Turkish Ambassador, Babur Hizlan. Faisal Kundi hoped that Pakistani artists would also go to Turkey under the cultural exchange program.

The vibrant photographs, portraying places, people, architecture and landscapes of Turkey, depicted a rich culture full of diversity. “Mr. Onart has truly captured the beauty and spirit of the people and places of Turkey,” said Asma Khan, director of the Gallery. Every photograph allows a glance into nature, ambiance, people and places of different cultures. “Each photo reflects a different region of Turkey and is a great opportunity for Pakistanis to learn about the country” remarked Madame Hizlan.

The exhibition reflects the diversity and richness of the Turkish culture. “It is refreshing and different from what we generally see in Turkish dramas on our (Pakistani) channels” said Ahsan Akhtar, a visitor, who was impressed enough to plan a visit to Turkey.

Khayyam's anniversary - Celebrating Muslim heritage

Sana Jamal

ISLAMABAD - A good number of people had a chance to learn about the ‘Renaissance Man’ of the Muslim world in an incredible surroundings that takes one back to the 11the century for it was the time of Omar Khayyam. The exquisite artworks by Irfan Qureshi, the delightful recital by Usman Qazi, and the outstanding mime act directed by Ms. Indu Mitha added charm to the event held at Gallery6 to pay tribute to Omar Khayyam on his 881st death anniversary.

Born in 1048 in Nishapur (a city in Iran), the poet we know today as Omar Khayyam contributed greatly to mathematics, astronomy, philosophy. The event started with brief video clips that enlightened Khayyam was also expert in the fields of mechanics, geography, music and Islamic theology that make him one of the prominent scholars of the Muslim world. It was Edward FitzGerald who introduced the poet of East in the West through translation of Khayyam's quatrains titled as ‘The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam’. His treasured verses were recited in Persian with English translation by Usman Qazi, clad in traditional gray shalwar kameez completed with headscarf, who charmed the audiences. 

Artist Talk: Lantz discusses the Power of Images

Sana Jamal

(L to R) H.E. Lars-Hjalmar Wide, the ambassador of Sweden,
 Michelle Galopin, Asma Khan, Maria Lantz (in blue),
the artist from Sweden at Satrang Gallery

The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is quite familiar. But what if the photograph isn't quite the truth? Or what if the picture is taken out of context? Such mystifying and untouched areas of photography were discussed here at an art lecture by Dr Maria Lantz, President of Konsftack, the University college of Art, craft and Design in Sweden. 

Dr. Lantz is accomplished as an artist, curator, and art critic. Dr. Lantz is on a trip to Pakistan and her lecture at the Satrang Gallery was arranged with the support of Lars Hjalmar-Wide, the ambassador of Sweden. A large number of students, artists and art aficionado participated in the discussion that was part of the series of lectures organized by Satrang Galley to promote Art Education.

In her lecture, titled ‘Politics of Place’, Dr Lantz expounded on the power of photographs within the broader framework of the social, cultural, political, or economic power structures of society. She explained that images have the power to sway our ideas about truth, desire, power structures and politics. 

During the talk on powerful photographs, the famed ‘The Situation Room photo’, which received much publicity after the news of bin Laden's death, also came under discussion. The photo, of President Barack Obama and his national security team monitoring ‘Operation Neptune’s Spear’, has achieved icon status as it was splashed across newspapers and television screens across the world. Dr. Lantz contrasted the photograph with an old painting; both portrayed the tension in the room and horrified faces. She added that throughout history, images have been used to elaborate hoaxes, and forgeries that had enormous ripple effects. 

Text, by its nature, is processed more critically whereas images can express a thought much more quickly and convey feelings or emotions that words sometimes cannot. This quality of the image, naturally, makes it a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. But at the same time, it is also most effective tool in provoking powerful and positive responses. The human brain interprets an image as reality and reacts appropriately. Research indicates that 65% people can remember a message containing both images and text, whereas only 10% could remember one that only held text.

Art Talk: Exploring Brazil through Artistic Lens

Published in Pakistan Observer

Sana Jamal 

ISLAMABAD - It was a surprising moment for a large number of Pakistani art lovers who explored Brazil as a culturally vibrant country and not just as home to great football players. This disclosure was made in a fascinating slideshow lecture “The Art Scene of Brazil Today”, presented by the Brazilian art connoisseur and promoter, Roberto Padilla, who is on his first visit to Pakistan. 

Brazil came into sight as an art-influenced society at the art talk, as every succeeding image on the slideshow signified the cultural exuberance of the country reflected in its contemporary art scene and modern architecture. 
“Vibrant works of art by Brazilian artists reflecting nature with plenty of colours and light also remind of the colours of Pakistan” remarked Roberto Padilla at one instance. Padilla let the audience glimpse some of the significant artworks by prominent Brazilian artists including Angelo Venosa, Walter Goldfarb, Hilal Sami, Beatriz Milhazes, Ernesto Neto, Ligia Clark, Tomie Ohtake.

Masterpieces in Miniatures – Royal treat for Art lovers

Sana Jamal

ISLAMABAD – The art lovers of the city were in for a treat, a royal treat indeed, as Gallery6 opened its doors to a collection of rare miniature paintings of British and Indian royal families and rulers. The exhibition of portrait miniatures, small in size and scrupulous in detail with fine brushwork, depicted the charm of a bygone era. 

Although the paintings are decades old but the grandiosity in the portraits of bejewelled Indian Maharajas and Nawabs, the adamant self-confidence in the miniatures of British kings and viceroys, and the feminine grace and beauty such as in the portrait of Sarojini Naidu, can still be felt in the artworks dexterously portrayed by Hafiz Sheikh Mohammad Amin and Sheikh Moin. “The paintings are 70 to 80 year-old and were done by leading artists of their times: Hafiz Sheikh Mohammad Amin and Sheikh Moin,” said the curator of the gallery, Dr Arjumend Faisel.

Pakistan’s Cultural Treasure documented by Japanese Archaeologist

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – A renowned Japanese professor and archaeologist, Prof. Koji Nishikawa has spend more than two decades to come up with an excellent publication on Pakistan's brilliant chapters of cultural history, titled ‘Ranigat, a Buddhist Site in Gandhara, Pakistan, surveyed 1983-1992’.

The comprehensive report, based on two volumes, is a fine photographic record of the excavations at Ranigat, one of the largest Buddhist sites in Gandhara, illustrating some 2000 rare photographs of excavated objects including sculptures, stone objects, stucco, terracotta, stone reliquary, and stone lamps. Along with rare photographs and scientific research, the Report illustrates   the journey of 10 Japanese experts headed by Prof. Nishikawa as the director of the Kyoto University, Scientific Expedition to Gandhara, who undertook pilot excavation on the site of Ranigat during 1982 and 1992, discovering many Buddhist stupas, shrines and monasteries.

Book Launch: ‘Wazir Khan Mosque Rediscovered’

Sana Jamal 

Book cover.

Islamabad – Pakistan’s treasured Wazir Khan Mosque has enchanted and inspired many by its mere magnificent look, but the latest comprehensive documentation on the Mosque is yet to charm the art lovers. The innovative book “Wazir Khan Mosque Rediscovered”, by Mamoona Khan was launched here on Friday at National Art Gallery in the presence of Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, Dr Shaukat Mahmood, Prof Jamila Zaidi and Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata, Representative of UNESCO. 

“It is for the first time that inscriptions bedecking the mosque are fully documented in this book including calligraphic styles, motifs, and designs with thorough analysis.” The book also focuses on the undercurrents of rhythm and orderliness, the hallmark of Muslim ornamental designs which lies in geometry, the epitome of which is Golden Ratio. “It highlights that Muslim artists did not limit themselves to the usual frame of decorating but keen observation deciphered the role of science as the guiding principle of the Muslim adornments” explained the author.

Zulfi’s realist paintings on display at Tanzara Gallery

Published in Pakistan Observer (18 Nov. 2011) 
Sana Jamal 

ISLAMABAD: Tanzara Art Gallery’s latest exhibition that opened on Thursday features contemporary realist paintings of Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi, who has wonderfully captured landscapes, and urban scenes. 

The art exhibition of the Lahore based artist comprises of 31 paintings, which flawlessly reflect the serenity of the rural side of Lahore as well as the vibrancy of the urban life of the city.

Zulfi’s rich canvases explore diverse dimensions of realism. The presence of trees, clouds, and rivers add the element of simplicity, depicting nature as well as the serene life of countryside. While the carts, pedestrians, banners and architectures are the accurate depiction of modern day life. It is in fact the truthful description of the apparent world, which sets the realist painters apart from rest. But what makes the paintings of Zulfi sacred, is the way he paints the four seasons as one can feel the element of spirituality germinating from his work. Zulfi’s works contain a gentle feel of each season depicted in the artworks. The presence of gentle wind, and light pouring through mist, the slight movement of leaves or waves in the river, is manifested in his paintings.

Japan’s Hidden Beauty revealed in pictures

Published in Pakistan Observer (17 Nov. 2011) 
Sana Jamal 

Islamabad - Black-and-white photographs of Kijuro Yahagi, a Japanese photographer, may not have the eye-catching luster, but the pictures reveal Japan’s true beauty hidden in nature. The window to Japan’s beauty is accessible for Pakistanis, as the photographs by Kijuro Yahagi have been put on display at National Art Gallery, Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Wednesday. The travelling exhibition has toured China, Canada, France, Iran, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Vietnam, and USA. 

The exhibition introduces 85 black-and-white photographs selected from the book “Hidden Japan– Shizen ni Hisomu Nihon”, a collection of photographs taken by Kijuro Yahagi. Yahagi undertook a valuable journey throughout Japan and travelled 20000 kilometres visiting places such as Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagasaki prefecture to explore the true Japan. Yahagi has explained his work in these words: “In gazing at the nature of Japan as it is, the present state of the country emerges through my photographs.” 

Flowing Colours to make waves in Islamabad

“Bahtay Rang” opens at Gallery Louvre 

Published in Pakistan Observer (12 Nov. 2011) 
Sana Jamal 

Islamabad – To the good fortune of art lovers of Islamabad, Gallery Louvre is continually introducing innovative artwork from different regions of the country. The latest inductions are from two major cosmopolitan cities of Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore. The art exhibition titled “Bahtay Rang” features effervescent canvases of Khusro Sabzwari and Ali Karimi. 

Travelling Art Exhibition fascinates Youth

Published in Pakistan Observer (6 Nov. 2011) 

Sana Jamal 

Islamabad – The Public Art Show at Iqra University, Islamabad is perhaps Pakistan’s first travelling art exhibition, which aspires to draw a new audience towards art, in particular young generation. With this unique and innovative project, the organisers have proved that exclusivity in art is no longer in vogue, and it’s about accessibility nowadays.

Pictorial icons of Urban Social Disorder

'Karachi Kahaniyan' opens at Khaas Art Gallery 

Published in Pakistan Observer (2 Nov. 2011)
Sana Jamal 

Man. No. 1

Islamabad – Moeen Faruqi’s latest exhibition at Khaas Art Gallery, that opened on Tuesday, precisely captures the consequences of urbanization such as stressful life, social disorder and identity crisis. The rich colours portray the beautification of apparent lives including homes and attires, as one leap towards the urban lifestyle, while the eccentric facial expressions of the human beings depict the emptiness inside one’s heart as one move away from the traditional way of life. 

Sufism showcased in exhibition at Nomad Gallery

Art Exhibition: Colours of love and peace 

Published in Pakistan Observer (1 Nov. 2011) 
Sana Jamal 

Islamabad – The challenges of the modern world maybe numerous, but through his vivid artwork, Mohsen Keiany, has offered simply one solution to diverse problems – the message of Sufis. In his latest exhibition at Nomad Art Gallery by Mohsen Keiany, a Britain based Irani artist, has used rich colours, and figures interwoven with poetry to convey the message of love, peace, and humanity to respond to the mounting challenges of extremism and racism all over the world. 

What makes Mohsen's paintings exceptional is the fact that along with vivid colours and figures, the artist has incorporated verses in Nastaliq. As the beautiful hues of blues, oranges, reds and yellows give a serene look to the paintings, the remarkable calligraphic work adds a mysterious touch to the artworks. The text though illegible, is Persian poetry by Hafiz, “I use Divan of Hafiz as the prophecy, which gives me guidance to answer my questions and gives me direction” maintains the artist.

In search of Cultural Identity..

Art exhibition at Hunerkada opens

Published in Pakistan Observer (16 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad – A thought-provoking exhibition of drawings, followed by a video presentation was held at Hunerkada Art Gallery on Saturday. The latest art exhibition by Asma Arshad Mahmood, a Toronto based artist, portrays her effort to connect the dots of identity with lines of culture and origin. Complicated subjects such as politics, religion and history emerge as the voice and images of her work.

Gallery Louvre’s vibrant entry in Islamabad

Published in Pakistan Observer (15 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad – With the largest solo exhibition of Pakistan’s renowned artist Ahmad Zoay, Gallery Louvre has stepped in Islamabad’s art and culture scene. “Gallery Louvre is a new comer to the capital but has been part of art scene for over a decade” told Salim Lalani, one of the curators at the gallery. The first Louvre entity was launched in 1999, in the heart of Karachi city, and since then, it is regarded as one of the recognized names in the art galleries of Pakistan.

The gallery, located in the posh area of the capital city, has carefully selected the recent works of Ahmad Zoay for its first exhibit, as the bright multi-coloured canvases not only refreshes the soul but also leaves one with a very pleasant feeling for a long time. The art show that opened on Friday evening would continue for a month.

Artistic dialogue between Berlin and Karachi

Exhibition “Through my Eyes - Soul of Pakistan” 

Photograph by Hameed Moinuddin on display at
an exhibition “Through my Eyes – Soul of Pakistan”.

Islamabad – A photo exhibition titled “Through My Eyes – Soul of Pakistan”, featuring around 50 photographs shot in Karachi by a Pakistani photographer, Hameed Moinuddin were put on display at Art Hall, Kunstklinikum in Berlin on Tuesday, October 12, 2011.

Hameed’s inspiring photographs have been beautifully integrated with poetic texts, which are written by Maria Dost, a Berlin based author and photographer. Her poetic expressions, along with the pictures, are articulated in such a way that gives an impression of artistic dialogue between Berlin and Karachi.

Reflecting Age of Neo-Colonialism through Art

Published in Pakistan Observer (11 Oct. 2011)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Since Art is considered a reflection of the society, the changing times and consequential circumstances seem to have greatly influenced the artists of our times. One such artist is Amin Rehman, who excels in employing textual expression in his artwork. Amin’s latest art exhibition titled ‘White Wash: Art in the Age of Neo-Colonialism’ opened at Rohtas Art Gallery in Islamabad on Monday.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Canadian High Commissioner Ross Hynes and his spouse Madame Vanessa Hynes, who greatly appreciated the work of the artist. The exhibit attracted scores of art lovers from the city particularly foreign diplomats, because the art show has something different to offer. Amin has used text as a language for his paintings, literally using sentences as the subject of his artwork. And that’s what makes the artwork unique as compared to other art exhibitions where the viewers appear perplexed while trying to decipher the obscured meaning behind the artist’s endeavor.

Rediscovering the maestro Sadequain

Published in Pakistan Observer (4 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad - To relive the legacy of calligraphy art, and rediscover the work of Sadequain, one of the finest painters, a book launching ceremony and exhibition was held in Islamabad on Monday. The grand exhibition was organized by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with Sadequain at National Art Gallery. The exhibition can be rightly called a visual treat for the art lovers as this is the second largest display of Sadequain’s magnum opus since his demise in 1987.

The ceremony started with a documentary on Sadequain made by PNCA in 1975. The book launch was followed by a presentation on the life and achievements of Sadequain by Dr. Salman Ahmad, a nephew of Sadequain and President of Sadequain’s Foundation of San Diego, California. The book titled, “Mystic Expressions by Sadequain – an odyssey to exaltation with Ghalib, Iqbal, Faiz and Sadequain” has illustrations, which could be taken as interpretations of poetry of these famous poets by Sadequain. The illustrations of Ghalib were done in 1968, of Faiz during the 1970s and ‘80s, and of Iqbal during the 1980s.

Artists depict the beauty of Potohar region

Published in Pakistan Observer (24 Sept. 2011)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – A captivating exhibition titled “Hues from Potohar” that opened at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) display the work of prominent artists from the Islamabad and Rawalpindi depicting the splendor of Potohar region. The art show is featuring over 120 paintings and sculptures, based on imagery, striking bright tones, landscapes of Potohar region and vivacious hues weaved by artists of exquisite skills.

“The exhibition is a homage to all those who had been instrumental enriching the hues and colours of the plateau and giving Potohar a unique character of its own” said Nahid Imam, artist and director of visual arts at PNCA. On the opening day, a large number of participating artists as well as art lovers gathered at the National Art Gallery to get a glimpse of the remarkable art pieces that truly depict the Potohar’s rich historical and cultural heritage as well as its geography. Dr. Marilyn Wyatt, wife of the US Ambassador to Pakistan was also present on the occasion.