Book launch: Artist’s life, work captured in biography

Nusratji’s oil paintings were also displayed

ISLAMABAD: It is very rare for an artist to get acknowledged in the form of a biography in Pakistan but the positive change is that their efforts are being recognised. Nusratji is one Pakistani artist who is very well deserving of this honour. It was no surprise that her efforts were being recognised in the form of a book ‘Defining Moments: Nusratji’s Art Odyssey’ by Mohsin S Jafri on Thursday at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).

The biography features 236 coloured and 65 black and white images of her work, throughout the years, spread over around 250 pages. The book is Jafri’s effort to showcase the various facets of Nusratji’s life, her work and her inspiration changing over the years.

At the book launch, the author said main idea behind writing the book was to document her journey in art culture and related activities while also shedding light on her early life, family, background and her academic career.



Nusratji, who was absolutely humbled by the appreciation of artists and writers, said she has always been eager to learn in life. She urged students to use their own power and inspiration to create something new, as that is what art is all about.

Eminent writer Kishwar Naheed said that over the years she has noticed that every time Nusratji works on an art piece, she leaves it before completing it. “That is where the beauty of Nusrat’s work lies because she wants the viewer to complete it according to their perception and inspiration,” she said.

She further said that in Nusratji’s work, we can find every bit of Pakistan; Tharparkar, Cholistan, the rivers, trees and people. “Nusrat’s work depicts different facets of Pakistan and that shows her true love for her nation,” said Naheed while complimenting the work of the acclaimed artist.

Artist Aasim Akhtar said that Nusratji has not only been a great artist and inspiration for everyone but has devoted her life relentlessly to a passion that she has pursued over the years. “To Nusratji the artist, painting is the simultaneous recognition of significance of a moment as well as a precise organisation of forms, which gives those moments a proper expression. Such an approach is elegant, dramatic and effective. Nusratji’s works are suggestive and associative and not indicative in the sense of being a formal paraphrase of the model,” he said.

Mansoor Rahi, who could not make it to the book launch due to health issues, told The Express Tribune that it is his heart’s desire that practicing artists are encouraged by organisations like PNCA. “The senior painters of Pakistan must be active and promoted through every side. It is my pleasure to know Nustatji as a hard working and lifetime painter of the country,” he said while congratulating her achievements and wishing the book great success.

Chief guest Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani congratulated the artist and the author and said this launch reminded him of the great cultural and historic values of Pakistan. “It is acclaimed artists like Nusratji that give us the great hope and pride in our nation,” he said.

Nusratji’s oil paintings on canvas that depict the people, culture and various portrayals of the country were displayed at the book launch.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th,  2016.