ISLAMABAD: For the last couple of years, political turmoil coupled with unprecedented high inflation has not only brought to a standstill the economic activities in the country but also crippled the social and cultural life of the capital.

The capital’s cultural life has been waning, especially the art galleries that have become desolate since 2019 except for a few which are struggling for their survival.

Gallery 6 is perhaps the only gallery that continued its activities in a novel way during the lockdown in the wake of Covid-19 through a daily online auction of art pieces at discounted prices to generate funds for the artists.

It is still reeling under the economic crisis to continue its activities to generate funds for the sustenance of the artists and philanthropic works.

“Art Bazaar has been organised for the last one decade annually on the anniversary of the gallery in March to share our commission as part of the celebrations with the art lovers and collectors,” says Dr Arjumand Faisel, owner of the gallery. This year it was delayed due to political uncertainty.

The three-day 10th Art Bazaar concluded on Sunday. The event provided many art lovers and collectors a unique opportunity to purchase artworks at substantially discounted prices ranging from Rs2,500 to Rs250,000, he told Dawn.

The show offered an array of artistic expressions and engaged art lovers, collectors and art students.

The over 500 art pieces were created by senior and upcoming artists in different forms, compositions, techniques and styles, including realistic works, figurative elements, landscapes, expressions of expressionism and surrealism, in oils, acrylics, water colours and mixed media as well as non-representational art or popularly known as abstract art.

“Whether you are drawn to supporting and investing in emerging artists, fostering their growth and creativity, or you seek to enhance your collection with works from renowned and established artists, Art Bazaar has you covered.”

With its diverse selection, the event provides opportunities for art enthusiasts to explore and acquire artworks that align with their individual tastes and collecting goals.

Realistic paintings delve into themes of everyday life, capturing the essence of contemporary existence with truthful and accurate depictions. He said these artworks meticulously pay attention to detail and colour accuracy, offering viewers an authentic portrayal of the subjects.

Figurative works, on the other hand, encompass a diverse range of styles, showcasing various artistic treatments and interpretations. The landscape paintings with refreshing scenes of rural areas in Punjab, the Cholistan desert, the surroundings of Lahore, northern areas of KP and Gilgit-Baltistan and the areas around Islamabad depicted a variety of techniques, treatments and styles employed by different artists, showcasing the rich diversity of artistic expression.

Non-representational paintings showcased at the Art Bazaar were both small and large-scale compositions, intriguing surfaces and textures, captivating viewers with their unique visual appeal.

Vibrant and pleasing, the artworks reflected the artists’ endeavour to express the pulsating spirit within, unveiling a sense of vitality and energy.

The non-representational paintings offered a fascinating exploration of abstract forms and invited viewers to immerse themselves in the expressive and dynamic world of the artist’s vision.

For those with a fascination for calligraphy, the event offered a delightful treat with a large collection of exquisitely composed scripts. Visitors also experienced both traditional and modern calligraphy styles, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of this art form.

The bazaar featured other artistic mediums such as drawings, prints, sculptures and carvings, further enriching the overall experience for visitors.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2023