By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Fine Arts Committee organised an art exhibition titled “Tasalsul Group Show” at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, along with Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmad Shah. The event was also attended by Fine Arts Committee Chairman Farrukh Tanveer Shahab, painter Shahid Rasam, Muhammad Zeeshan, Nazar ul Islam, Salim Raza and other figures associated with the art community.
Curated by renowned painter Tanveer Farooqi, the exhibition featured 37 artworks by 30 artists, depicting the lights, movement and changing environment of Karachi through contemporary visual expression.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said a large number of painters and artists were present who had beautifully enriched the environment through their work. He said the Arts Council was “shining with colour, creativity and cultural activity” and added that the growing interest of young people in art and culture was a positive sign.
He said efforts were being made to strengthen cultural bodies across Sindh so that artists in every city could have better opportunities. He added that cultural activities were helping project Pakistan’s soft and positive image internationally and said the World Culture Festival had received global attention. He also praised Muhammad Ahmad Shah for his role in promoting cultural initiatives and said Pakistan’s cultural identity was being recognised internationally. He thanked the media for promoting the country’s positive image.
Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmad Shah said he had known Farrukh Tanveer Shahab for four decades and described him as a talented artist and an important member of the governing body. He said there was a need to further strengthen fine arts, curation and related disciplines within the Arts Council alongside music, theatre and literature.
He said efforts were ongoing to provide better opportunities for both young and senior artists, adding that senior artists’ work also served as inspiration for younger generations. He said the Arts Council played a bridging role between experience and new ideas.
Farrukh Tanveer Shahab, Chairman of the Fine Arts Committee, said artists should be fully encouraged and supported as art and artists formed an important part of cultural identity. He thanked guests, art lovers and participating artists.
The exhibition featured works by A Q Arif, Abeeha Mirza, Abid Hasan, Akram Spaul, Aliya Faizi, Aamir Khatri, Annal Haque, Arif Ansari, Arsalan Naqvi, Asma Baig, Farrukh Shahab, Fauzia Khan, Hajra Khan, Inshal Tahir, Khusro Sabzwari, Moazzam Ali, Nisar Ahmad, SANoory, S M Fawad, S M Naqvi, Sadia Arif, Salman Farooqi, Samina Mumtaz, Shahzad Zar, Shan Amrohvi, Shazia Salman, Taabir, Wasi Haider, Zafar Mahmood and Zuleikha Mandokhail.
The exhibition will continue from 12 pm to 8 pm until 23 May at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery, 2nd Floor, Ahmed Shah Building.
