Art attack: New art gallery in town

Former NCA principal raves about establishment

LAHORE: An inaugural group exhibition showcasing the work of 24 artists commenced on Friday at the Main Frame Art Gallery.

Main Frame Art Gallery managing director Shahzad Saeed said the space had been designed for the young. “We plan to organise a show featuring eight to 10 pieces by young artists every month. We will try to take their work abroad as well,” he said.

Saeed said the gallery would also reserve space for affordable art pieces. He said works priced between $100 to $500 would be placed there.  “Another noteworthy feature of the gallery would be its artist of the month section. Nuggets about the backgrounds of selected artists and their achievements would be shared there and at our homepage for a month,” Saeed shared.

Former National College of Arts (NCA) principal Salima Hashmi, who inaugurated the showcase, said the city could make do with many galleries. This, she said, was so as every gallery had a unique vision.  “I think what is very nice about this establishment is that it offers a really good framing service,” Hashmi said. She said this provided artists the kind of support they needed to preserve their work.

The former NCA principal said the nation’s climate was extremely unforgiving when it came to art.  Hashmi said this held true for everything from insects to humidity. Therefore, she said, the gallery served a dual purpose by helping artists preserve and showcase their work. “This is a different approach which there was a pressing need for,” Hashmi said.

Artist Asad Faruki, who has a mixed media piece being showcased at the gallery, said his work had a very postmodern feel to it. He said he was inspired by how girls attired themselves in colourful outfits. Faruki said the establishment was a welcome addition to the city’s art scene as it was situated on MM Alam Road.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2016.