Handmade artwork: GCU luminaries immortalised in pencil portraits

Exhibition displays sketch work of artist Erfanullah Babar till Jan 31

LAHORE: Pencil portraits of eminent luminaries of Government College University (GCU) Lahore have once again been put on display at the Minhas Art Gallery for Old Ravians and art lovers to enjoy. This is the second exhibition of these portraits made by the university’s Fine Arts Department Chairman Erfanullah Babar.

Punjab University College of Arts and Design Principal Prof Dr Shahida Manzoor and noted Old Ravian artist Ejaz Anwar inaugurated the exhibition that would remain open for three weeks.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shahida said the portraits made by Erfan portrayed the strong character and personality of eminent luminaries of GCU. Pencil sketching, she claimed, was one of the most difficult mediums of art.



GCU’s Dr Shaukat Mahmood said pencil had been a favourite and forceful medium of neoclassical and romantic draftsmen of the 18th century, and Erfan was leading a renaissance of this technique and art. “His portraits being showcased in this exhibition present the finest lessons to our students of art and design,” he added.

The 28 sketches on display include that of writer Muhammad Husain Azad, national poet Allama Iqbal, Syed Imtiaz Ali Taj, Sir Ganga Ram, Dr Abdus Salam, Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, Dharam Dev Anand, Prof Aslam Minhas and Chaudhry Zafarullah Khan.

Talking about his work, Erfan said the understanding about art in the Pakistani society was lesser than any other subject related to human abilities and knowledge and it was because of the lack of fundamental knowledge delivered to the younger generation, especially at the primary level.

The artist said he thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of the personalities’ trait as reflected in their appearance.

“I tried to meld the lines to create a blend of tones which finally highlighted the contours of a certain personality,” he said. “I use the elasticity, stretchiness and thickness of lines in accordance with the anatomy and features of the face which bring the whole drawing into a pure from and volume. Adding up extra lines in to a portrait brings more interest and energy into it.”

In order to celebrate its 154th Founders Day, the GCU had unveiled handmade portraits of some of its most eminent luminaries who studied at the oldest seat of higher learning in Pakistan since its foundation on January 1, 1864. The exhibition will remain open till January 31.

The first similar exhibition had opened on January 1, 2016 at the varsity to celebrate its 153rd Founders Day, where pencil portraits of all its 25 principals who headed the institution from January 1, 1864 to 2002 were displayed.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2017.