RAWALPINDI: A painting exhibition was held on Thursday at the Rawalpindi Arts Gallery to showcase mountains and the culture of its inhabitants.

The ‘Mountain Heritage and Landscape’ show was jointly organised by Rawalpindi Arts Council and Devcom-Pakistan in connection with the 14th Pakistan Mountain Festival. The festival is a signature initiative aimed at mainstreaming mountain challenges and celebrating the rich cultural and environmental heritage of Pakistan’s mountainous regions.

The exhibition featured an array of artworks created by talented artists and students. The exhibits reflected the vibrant cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and sports associated with Pakistan’s mountainous communities.

Artists employed a variety of mediums, offering diverse perspectives on the theme. The event served as a visual celebration of mountain life and an artistic reminder of the urgent need to preserve this invaluable heritage in the face of environmental and cultural challenges.

In the senior youth group, the first three prizes were won by Attiqa Malik, Shanza Noreen and Afia Risha, respectively, while Salslabeen Aslam, Hamna and Syed Moazzam won the first three prizes in the students’ category.

Renowned artist Shahnaz Akram was the chief jury and chief guest of the occasion. She distributed certificates among the winning artists and praised the creativity and dedication displayed by the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahnaz Akram underscored the importance of art in highlighting critical social and environmental issues.

“Art has the unique ability to inspire and educate. Through this exhibition, we see not just the beauty of our mountains but also the challenges they face,” she said.

Munir Ahmed, Executive Director of Devcom-Pakistan and founder of the Pakistan Mountain Festival, emphasised the critical role mountains play in Pakistan’s ecological balance, water security, and cultural identity.

“Our mountains are more than majestic landscapes; they are the lifeblood of our environment and culture. In the context of changing climate, it is imperative to protect and promote their environmental and cultural heritage,” he remarked.

The painting exhibition drew significant attention from art enthusiasts, environmentalists, students, and members of the public. Visitors praised the diverse range of artistic interpretations and the thought-provoking messages embedded in the artworks.

The exhibition was a successful platform to engage the public, celebrate mountain life, and advocate for the preservation of Pakistan’s invaluable natural and cultural treasures.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2024