Moods of sky: Art exhibition concludes

Exhibit features work of BZU’s Sophiya Umar

MULTAN: Moods of Sky—an exhibition featuring paintings by Sophiya Umar concluded on Saturday at the Ahmed Hassan Hall of the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Umar has been exploring identity-related issues in her work which has garnered great attention. Chief among these has been Art from Pakistan—an exhibition of hers that debuted in Paris.

“My paintings are a fusion of French and Pakistan culture. They reflect the cultures, civilisations and thinking of the two nations,” Umar told The Express Tribune. The artist said she had tried to portray shades of skies witnessed across Pakistan. She praised the MCCI for establishing a fitting avenue for all artists to display their work.

Umar attributed the dismal state of art and culture in south Punjab to the low level of literacy and the traditional lack of esteem associated with such endeavours by most families. She said collective efforts were needed to promote art and raise public awareness regarding its importance. “Art is an integral component of culture. Ignoring one means ignoring both,” the artist said. She said this was also one of the reasons behind why people from the region failed to articulately express themselves.

MCCI president Fareed Sheikh said the work of Pakistani artists epitomised the nation’s resilience in the face of formidable challenges.

Praising the artist, he said all artists from south Punjab would be allowed to exhibit their work at the hall for free. He said the MCCI would extend full support to all of their endeavours. Sheikh said this included helping them market their work across the world and connecting them with the international market.

Scores of art aficionados flocked to the exhibition in droves. The MCCI secretary general Khurram Javed said over 35,000 people had visited the venue to-date. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2016.