Artist: Dr Wasif Ali – Temptation of Eve. Oil on canvas.
From October 29-December 8, Londoners will get to see a ‘different face’ of Pakistan than the negative portrayal that dominates the international media. To benefit CARE Pakistan, London’s Asia House is hosting “Different Faces of Pakistan”, an exhibition curated by Sasheen Abbasi that showcases the variety of contemporary Pakistani art, from landscapes and figurative works to Abstraction, Cubism, and graphic calligraphy. Works by Sadequain, Khusro Subzwari, Farrukh Shahab, Inam Raja, Dr Wasif Ali, and Tassaduq Sohail offer glimpses into Pakistani culture, society, and the evolution of its art scene. Abbasi has selected works that demonstrate the “creativity, courage and conviction of artists living through some of the most trying times the nation has witnessed over the past few decades”. As such, the show captures the real face of Pakistan. – Text by Huma Yusuf
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I wish this painter doctor wasif ali had studied what he first chose to study. I have been living in North America since 1993 and never came across a doctor who painted for professional earnings!
They generally dont have time beside upgrading their skills and looking after their jobs/patients.
It gives an idea what our medical schools are churning out. I also wish that possibility of cheating during examinations be eliminated, otherwise time is near when we will see doctors doing fashion designing and cat walking.
Starting today, I wish to bycott DAWN! Shame on you DAWN!
goodbye
These pictures has no relevance with Pakistani ART! The names mentioned in the Context are legends , Newspaper should be ashamed of posting such pictures above their names. I agree human figures are the best postures on canvas but please dont post them who have worked totally opposite to this form of Art. Their themes their work is totally different & you cant even use their names for such cheap popularity & rating races!
Why it is that every time, on the name of liberalism, progress, broad minded etc. vulgarity is spread….
Shame
Is it art or pornography? Who says this is the real face of Pakistan? On one extreme are the Talibans, on other extreme are artists like these.
Great! all the art is revolving around nude women only… is this really art? or is there a something missing in life that came on canvas. This is not an art in Pakistani culture.
I am shocked to see such pictures in a Pakistani newspaper site. Could you please remove these pictures from Pakistani newspaper site as this does not at all reflect the Pakistani art and its culture. These are shameless pictures which is contrary to Pakistani or sub-continent culture. A decency should be maintained at every level.
I wish dawn hadn’t posted these pictures , these are profane and vulgar
Seems to me Pakistan is trying hard for an image make over and while the paintings are great, the whole idea and approach is quite silly.
Well brother, it a new trend. Showing off your body is the new liberalism. Unfortunately, we only compete in the nudity with the west, but tend to forget what westerners are achieving in other fields.
If, this is Pakistan’s Art than kindly explain the difference b/w Pakistan’s Art & Western’s Art. As being a Pakistani you should prevail only true color of Pakistan and neither transform the Art into western style nor manipulated with sexual behavior.
Shame on those who organize, support and paint nudity in the name of art. it is nothing but the complexes of liberal elites who spit on the face of our true culture, religion and nation. What makes nudity a beauty? Can you hang such pictures in your own drawing rooms and discuss nudity with your kids? That is why religious extremism/fanaticism is on the rise. zafarsyed40@yahoo.com
Very true! Guys, we all need to speak against these profanity.
Happy moment for those who want to see Pakistan and the purpose it was created to go down the drain. Sad moment for those who beleive that the creation of Pakistan had a purpose, to live a morally responsible life as ordained by our Creator.
Hasan (USA)
Is this form of art an open-mindedness or darkness? There is no room for promiscuous art like that in any form and manifestation in Pakisan or Islamic society. This is not Pakistan or Pakistani culture.
shameful
The article implies that showing some nude pictures will remove the negative portrayal of Pakistan. I am not against art or nude arts in specific and am quite open minded but only thing I can say to this is “What a world we live in?”
I agree. I appreciate all kinds of art, and think that nude art can be a great form of expression. My problem is that it almost looks like the exhibitors have gone out of their way to shove it in people’s faces. “Look, Pakistani artists draw nude women too. Look how progressive we are.” There are so many very talented contemporary artists in Pakistan and some of them do indeed include nude figures in their works, but there are so many stunning pieces that focus on other things as well. It is great that Pakistani artists are getting a chance to showcase their work in London. I hope that next time, the selection of pieces is more representative of the Pakistani art community rather than what organizers and exhibitors think people would want to see.
I don’t understand. Are you saying something is wrong with these paintings? Or, are you shocked that with our cultural mores, we still managed to get such lovely work?
It is just a presentation of art pieces without any hidden meaning. The human body is one of the most fascinating pieces of art, irrespective of where the artists come from. What scandalizes you is the chains of custom snaking around your mind.
H
its fascinating how a nation in turmoil and chaos gives birth to such expressions of beauty
I think chaos is the only thing that gives birth to beauty. People living in their set routine never long for something better or beautiful.
Excellent
Its really a strange kind of art. I don’t think it matches with our culture. Its just showing nudity to get attention.