ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) arranged two-month 9th National Exhibition to pay tribute to nine renowned artists of the country at PNCA in Islamabad after a gap of 13 years.
Talking to the state-run news agency, the Director General PNCA Syed Jamal Shah said that the National Exhibition was paying a tribute to renowned artists including Iqbal Jafri, Mian Aijazul Huassan, Colin David, Saeed Akhtar, Ahmed Khan, Zulqurnain Haider, Mansur Rahi, Basheer Ahmed and Hajra Mansoor, adding that these artists are the Icons of Pakistani art and have contributed their best to the promotion of art in Pakistan.
Jamal Shah said that prior to the big event, PNCA organized a series of regional exhibitions representing all provinces which were given relevant context according to the cultural heritage of the land such as; From Mehergarh to Quetta, From Harappa to Lahore via Katas, From Mohenjo-Daro to Karachi via Makli, From Akra to Peshawar via Takht Bai and From Takht bai to Islamabad.
“The reoccurring theme of culture connects the work of artists from different regions, as it becomes a point of intersection for people itself,” he said.
Jamal Shah said that the exhibitions represented the land, life, people and the cultural diversity of Pakistan which culminated into National Exhibition as the work for National Exhibition was selected by competent committees from all regional exhibitions.
The director general PNCA said that the exhibition includes works of almost 500 artists from all over Pakistan, in the first National Exhibition being held in the new building.
“Artists have used broad spectrum of formats and techniques including painting, sculpture, calligraphy, photography, miniature installations and videos,” he said.
Syed Jamal Shah said that in the 70th year of Pakistan’s independence, the nation took a critical look at the increasing enthusiasm for heritage, tradition and evolving contemporary practices.
Jamal Shah said that the exhibition displays a highly diversified range of experimentation both in two-dimensional work, and other works including sculpture, installations and videos. “It is hoped that the work will generate dialogue, discussion and creative discourse as the purpose of this exhibition is to stimulate the artist’s mind, open new horizons and promote arts and culture through this national platform,” he said.
The director general PNCA said that thanks to all participating artists who have taken this journey with us and generously agreed to contribute their works to the 9th National Exhibition.
Jamal Shah thanked Mansur Rahi and Mrs. Hajra Mansur for donating 8 works and Naeem Pasha for donating 3 works to National Art Gallery.
The DG PNCA donated his entire installation comprising 102 sculptures and a large number of murals produced during live art performances 101 to National Art Gallery.
