DERA ISMAIL KHAN: An art exhibition was held at the District Auditorium Hall here on Sunday providing an opportunity to young artists to display their works.

About 65 artists displayed their portrayals in the exhibition, which was organised by Rang Qabeela, a representative organisation of artists, to pay homage to Iqbal Shahid, a noted Dera artist.

Deputy commissioner Sarah Rehman was the chief guest of the event, wherein a large number of people, including women, participated. The participants hailed the artistic expressions.

Talking to the media, deputy commissioner expressed her pleasure over attending the beautiful exhibition, saying artists of Dera had presented a positive image of the region at national level. “Their artworks not only reflect the beauty and culture of the area but also highlight the immense talent of the youth of this region,” she said.

Ms Rehman said the district administration would play its role in promoting the work of the young artists.

Speaking on this occasion, presidential award winning artist of Dera, Ajab Khan said organising the exhibition was aimed to pay tribute to artist Iqbal Shahid.

He said last year the event was not organised as they hoped the political leaders and government officials would step forward in that regard. “But with no progress from their side, once again this exhibition was organised on a self-help basis,” he added.

Ajab Khan said Dera had a lot of potential and artists there were capable of working at national level. “However, despite the district having a government university and several varsities in the private sector, fine art is not taught there.”

He said the Rang Qabeela organisation had decided to open a school, where young artists and those interested in arts would receive formal education.

Ajab said almost all members of the organisation were the students of Iqbal Shahid, and they had also launched the Iqbal Shahid Award to pay tribute to their teacher, ensuring that his name lived on and to continue encouraging new artists.

The event also saw the participation of senior artists from Dera, including Farooq Sial, Tanveer Shahroz, Mohammad Sharif and Shayan, who is the president of Rang Qabeela.

On the occasion, Mr Shayan noted that most of the participants were junior artists, including school, college and university students.

He said the exhibitions like this helped enhance the young artists’ talent and provided them with an excellent opportunity to refine their works.

The young artists welcomed the event and said such initiatives should be held under the patronage of the government so that they could further improve their artistic skills.

The Iqbal Shahid awards were distributed among the best performing artists.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2024