RAWALPINDI: A three-day exhibition of art works by young artists was organised under the auspices of Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Saturday.

Naheed Manzoor flanked by RAC Director Waqar Ahmad, senior artist Azhar Qureshi, Shagufta Azhar and Ghazi Baig inaugurated the exhibition.

The exhibition was jointly organised by the Rawalpindi Arts Council and the Art Knowledge Academy. Students of the academy also participated in the event.

The exhibition features paintings by more than 70 artists who have captured traditional field orchards, mountains, forests, cities, birds of prey and Islamic calligraphy.

Addressing the inaugural function, Naheed Manzoor said young artists were an asset of Pakistan.

“The Pakistani artists are rich in art and are making Pakistan famous all over the world,” she said, adding that various aspects of art were covered in the joint exhibition.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said the Arts Council had always provided a platform to the youth to take their art to the world.

“The Arts Council has presented the work of thousands of artists to the world; an artist wants encouragement, so that his work can be refined further,” he said.

Art Knowledge Academy Instructor Azhar Qureshi thanked the council for providing the platform. At the end of the ceremony, certificates were also distributed among the young artists.

Meanwhile, a Punjabi Mushaira will be held at the Rawalpindi Arts Council on Sunday in connection with the 552nd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Representatives of local literary organisations will participate in the poetry session to be held at the Adbi Bethak of the Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi, while individuals and poets belonging to the Sikh community will also be present.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said the purpose of the Mushaira was to express solidarity with the Sikh community and like the whole country and Punjab, the people of Potohar region were also generous people who shared the happiness of people from other religions.

He said the Adbi Bethak of the Arts Council was inaugurated last week and this would be the first mushaira to be held here, adding that apart from representatives of literary organisations, ordinary citizens would also participate in the event.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2021