KARACHI: An exhibition titled The Legacy and Vision of Old Masters and Contemporary Painters of Pakistan opened at the Arts Council of Pakistan’s Ahmed Pervaiz Gallery on Saturday evening.

The council has a dazzling variety of Pakistani master artists’ works from its collection. The works of eminent creative souls such as A R Nagori, Ozzir Zuby, Wahab Jaffar, Mansoor Aye, Anjum Ayaz and Mansoor Rahi can be seen on display in the show. These are the names that have enabled Pakistan to stand shoulder to shoulder with the art community of the rest of the world.

Continuing with the legacy, a great deal of contemporary art is no less impressive. Paintings of Shahzad Baloch, Jawad Jan and Yasir Noor, also on view, are cogent examples of it. They are done with a great degree of creative flair.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi.

UAE envoy inaugurates exhibition organised by Arts Council as part of its World Culture Festival

Speaking on the occasion, he said it’s a unique opportunity to speak in one language, the language of art. He was happy to see more than 40 countries participating in the World Culture Festival. He praised Pakistani art and how it’s making its presence felt.

The envoy mentioned that Pakistani artists had also taken part in the Dubai Art Festival and hoped for collaborative projects between his country and Pakistan. Pakistani art and the UAE art can come together and support each other, he added.

Earlier, the council’s President Ahmed Shah said he conceived the idea for the World Culture Festival after he had the opportunity to visit the Culture Summit held in Abu Dhabi.

He said Pakistan and the UAE enjoy cordial relations from the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto; the UAE has always supported Pakistan. He thanked the ambassador for gracing the event and also extended gratitude towards the Sindh government for supporting the festival.

Sindh Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, too, talked about the strong ties that Pakistan and the UAE have. He requested the UAE ambassador to revisit the visa policy of his country for Pakistani citizens.

The exhibition will conclude in 10 days.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2024