Paintings exhibition- Leaps towards projection of rich Pakistani Culture

WASHINGTON, Apr 8 (APP)- Setting a new tradition, the Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC this year organized a series of events during the weeklong celebration of Pakistan Day, from March 20 to 28.

Deviation from routine is a tough task. It means, carving out of time from hectic work of the continuing intense and shrewd diplomatic activities, in a bid to seek involvement of the community in healthy pursuits, and projection of Pakistan's rich culture and heritage.

The main attractions of the week were art and photo exhibitions, film show, a learned talk by noted historian F. S.Aijazuddin, besides the main March 23 flag-hoisting function followed by a reception hosted by the Ambassador, at which U.S. deputy Defense secretary Paul Wolfowitz was the chief guest.

The community had a variety of events to choose from and be part of, and the response seen was both immense and rewarding.'Changing Perceptions: Pakistan s Creative Revolution,' was the theme of the week. The premiere showing of film 'Daira' by producer Shahzad Nawaz and his thought- provoking question-answer session was not merely just a deviation from the routine, but,in fact, it was a knowledgeable sitting preceded by a presentation by Fakir Aijazuddin on 'Pakistan: A Bridge Between The Past and the Future.'

The photo exihibition was based on paintings and art works by seven upcoming artists and luminaries, alongwith fashion design works on display by two noted professionals- 'Sana and Safinas,' and Umar Sayeed. The painters were: Mansoor Aye, Mashkoor Raza, Riaz Rafi, Hussain Tariq, Abrar Ahmad, Mansoora Hassan and Naheed Raza, besides the pearly Tapu Javeri.

And, the spacious Jamshed Marker Hall of the Embassy, resonated with brisk and festive activity as art fans remained absorbed with the sight of masterly art works on display, and offering of explanatory notes by painters themselves as well as by experts.

It was all a voluntary effort- and the missionary enthusiasm, with overtones of new nationalism- which was abundantly and enviably visible. This sentiment was felt and shared by the seniors and the novices, alike.

An apt observation heard was: "The endeavour is a swing into fulfilment, motivation, self-confidence and towards attainment of excellence."

"It's a win-win situation, already," Fakir Aijazuddin said of the promising role of upcoming youngestrs, adding: "The heritage behind is as lucrative and majestic as the 'shahzadas' of today."

Unlike the beaten track, he said, the young Pakistani-American today is blunt, terse, shrewd and convincing. "They don't have any baggage, they don't feel shy and they don't mince words- they are exceptionally confident and reflect their sound upbringing."

Khalid Saeed, a promising youngster, did not disclose it till the last, but it transpired that he is son of Suroor Barah-bankvi, the lilting lyricist. He was master of the ceremony-leader of the volunteer corps.

This galaxy of reputed young artistes and visitors, he told APP, is all an enthusiastic gathering of fans of Pakistani heritage.

He was all praise for Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi and DCM Mohammad Sadiq for their considerate patronage.

Taking pride over the turn out at the art exhibition, he saidappreciable is the professional excellence of the pieces of paintings, themetic standard, fine brush work, minute details, variety of rich colors and frequent depiction from out of the varied past heritage.

In Khalid Saeed's words, the displayed art, films, videos and fashion works had been chosen for display "because these are full of meaning and message." "I had already judged them exceptional, that is why I collected the exhibits here for the display."

He said main stress is on showing the works of art to the wider international audience.

Asked what's unique about the display?, he said the video of Fuzion by Saqib Malik is wonderful and Asim Raza s video for Hadiqa had everyone glued to the screen. Junoon, Fuzion and Najam Shiraz each have their own individual sound and it has great appeal. Unlike Indian Music- which is forced to piggy-back on it s film industry, and, therefore, has a formula sound- the Pakistani music has had to develop it s own identity without the support of films. Therefore,it is quite unique and is popular in India as much as Indian Films are popular in Pakistan.

"Is the art of painting getting revived in Pakistan?,"Khalid said: "I think the entire creative industry is coming into it s own. People who have stuck in their chosen fields are now skilled enough to produce competitive work that we can be proud of. It is our responsibility to encourage them by giving them exposure and be proud of their skills."

"What is the peculiar insight among the youngsters educated in the U.S., and how rich is their content?" The youngsters need to know Arif Lohar, to appreciate their rich cultural heritage. This event was created to provide a "multi-media" presentation of Pakistan s leading talents. "We used, videos, paintings, slides, Commercials, film, photographs, music videos, posters, dressed up mannequins."

"Is the future based on hope or gloom?-" he said, as long asthere is an amalgam and blend of high education and imparting of the necessary knowledge of their ancestry, the youngstrs will continue to beam with a force of motivation. "Pakistan is a great place to be to nurture talent."

Of boutique art, he said "the Fashion Business in Pakistan is still a cottage industry and needs to be assisted to go to the next level. "'What does the art offer: is it a source of earning or for a mere element of pride?.' He said: "Creative Arts provide a window into culture and the mindset of a region. It elbows out freedom, as artistes need to express themselves. Creative people, generally, are not commercial-minded, though, and need the support and encouragement of a community. In Pakistan, we are now seeing a rise in appreciation for genuine creative arts as over the past few decades. We should do our best to promote and support our creative people who are our assets."

On display were paintings by Naheed Raza, who noted: I don't want to portray women as vulnerable and miserable, I want to highlight successful and powerful women as a role model for others." Naheed, is the principal of the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts at the Arts
Council of Pakistan, has been in the field of art since 1970.

Mashkoor has translated his inspiration to emerge as a prolific painter who maintains his style and elegant brushwork. Mansur Aye has been painting for many years since 1962.

With bold strokes and strong colours in wider sweeps, Riaz Rafi gives an engaging look to may of his semi-abstract paintings.

What is striking about Abrar's paintings is the dramatic combination combination of style and technique. Imminent is a stirring reflection of Gandhara images, Indian miniature paintings and Bengal Art.

Tapu Javeri is an outstanding photographer in Pakistan, both in terms of fashion and art photography.

Mansoora Hassan graduating from the National College of Arts, Lahore, got an MFA from Pratt Institute, New York. She earlier took an exhibition "Women Artists of Pakistan" to Tokyo, in 1996.

It may be noted that Tapu Javeri's work was selected by the Director of 'The Guerilla Film Festival,' to be part of the art displayed from April 3rd at the Resources for the Future Building.This festival featured works of some of USA's top artists and film makers from around the world. Tapu Javeri is the first Asisn artist to be featured in this festival.