LAHORE: An unconventional art show, when it comes to themes and approaches by art students, was a major focus of attraction for art fanciers at the Alhamra Art Gallery here on Friday.

Titled -- Avant -- Grade, the exhibition has carried the artworks by BFA, Visual Art students of Lahore College for Women University, Government College for Women Gulberg and Government Post Graduate College for Women, Samanabad.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Lahore Arts Council Executive Director retired Capt Atta Muhammad.

The artists through their artworks have explored and experimented all aspects of life in different mediums. Many artists have come up with their artworks which are based on spiritualism suggesting Sufi themes.

A grand show of colours and canvas depicting political, social and economic issues, it has also cast a glance on women of today and that of the past.

The exhibition has a lot to offer in terms of ideas and approaches. There are landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, installations and collage, most of them are suggestive of what is being done in society at large. The artworks are also reflective of general attitudes and behaviours of people.

Artists while mentioning what was in their back of mind when they were projecting and painting their thoughts through drawings and paintings had different ideas to offer.

To Nazish Yousaf the personal expression is important to her, Iqra Noreen has highlighted the idea of perception of life, Iqra Nasir has showed the transformation of objective reality while Anum John has depicted women issues in her artwork.

To Sidra Saleem faces and actions are window to one’s soul while Erum Naz has elaborated the idea of a strong woman through her artwork.

The art show is a fine fusion of performing and fine arts as instrumentalists have also played on different instruments such as guitar and flute at the exhibition.

At least 400 artworks by over 70 students are on display in the exhibition. The art show will remain on display till Oct 31.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2014