ISLAMABAD: Oil paintings by the impressionist artist Nusratji were displayed at the launch of her biography ‘Defining Moments: Nusratji’s Art Odyssey’ on Thursday.

The works portrayed depictions of Pakistan, its people and its culture.

Renowned poet and writer Kishwar Naheed said she could see impressions of renowned artists such as Sadeqain, Shakir Ali and Gul Jee in the works, while cultural expert, writer and founder of the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum Uxi Mufti described the event as “poetic” and said he could discern the influence of European impressionist artists, like Van Gogh.

Written by Mohsin S Jafri, the biography is spread over nearly 250 pages, and features 236 images in colour and 65 black and white images. According to the author, it hopes to provide insight into all the facets of Nusratji’s life, particularly her art and its variations.

He said the main focus of the publication was her journey into art culture and related activities. It also deals with the artist’s early life, family background and her family’s support for her interest in art and for her academic career.

Large scale paintings of horses were displayed beside figurative paintings in the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), National Art Gallery corridor, and the launch was attended by artists, writers and students.

Ms Naheed said Nusratji’s art was a symbol of love for her country, and expressed the hope that art students would gain from her work.

Mr Mufti said he particularly enjoyed her charcoal drawings.

“They show an artist in the making. They also show how hard Nusratji has worked to become the artist she is today,” he said.

He added the forceful lines, depth and perspectives in her works reflected years of training in the basics of art.

Throwing light on Nusratji’s art odyssey, art critic and instructor Asim Akhtar said Nusratji had devoted her life to a passion pursued relentlessly.

“Her works are recognition of moments, giving them proper expression. They are dramatic, elegant and effective. Her figures are sensual and the human anatomy is altered to give it painterly approach,” Mr Akhtar said, explaining the artistic liberties taken by the artist in her romantic images.

He said the mosaic-like dabs, high key colours and free and sweeping brushstrokes allowed colours to run into each other.

Humbled by the appreciation from the many speakers, Nusratji said: “I have always been an eager learner.”

She urged students to work on their power to appreciate, to be able to create. She also said that her achievements came from work and were not just a gift from beyond.

Senate chairperson Raza Rabbani, who was invited as chief guest, said he was reminded of Pakistan’s cultural and historical values. “Artists like Nusratji give us that anchor and hope and pride we as a rudderless nation still feel,” Mr Rabbani said.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2016