Precise skills: Chinese artists demonstrate traditional calligraphy

Demonstration a precursor to a joint exhibition by Pakistani and Chinese artists

ISLAMABAD: Through forceful, precise strokes, visiting Chinese artists showcased their calligraphic skills in a live demonstration at the National Art Gallery on Wednesday.

The demonstration was part of a joint art exhibition of Chinese and Pakistani artists, which formally opens at the gallery today (Friday).

The exhibition is part of the 67th anniversary celebrations of China, organised by the Chinese embassy in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of the Arts and the Ministry of Information.

Around nine artists from China and eight from Pakistan contributed 56 paintings and 150 photographs, along with calligraphic works in both Chinese and Urdu, along with landscapes depicting scenery of Hunan province, and the tradition life in the two countries. The participating Chinese artists include He Dong An, Zhang Jinlian, Yang Baono, Sun Jianhua, Yan Fuchu, Li Zhe, Wang Qi, and Yuan Youqi and Liu Huilong.

The Pakistani artists participating in the exhibit include Mughees Riaz, RM Naeem, Abdul Jabbar Gul, Zahid, Anjum Ayub, Najamul Hassan Kazmi, Asadur Rehman and Farrukh Shahab.

Demonstrating their skills before students from different institutions of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the Chinese artists talked about their experiences as artists and key aspects of their craft. They also talked about the history of Chinese calligraphy and paintings divided between the eight main dynasties such as the Han dynasty, pre and post Qin dynasties, Ming dynasties.

The artists showed the different styles by painting some of these in a demonstration.

Earlier in a meeting with PNCA Director General Jamal Shah, the veteran actor welcomed the artists and hoped that their visit would benefit the artists of both countries. He said that an interaction between artists of Pakistan and China would allow them to share their experiences.

Later, while talking to the media, the Chinese artists said they appreciate the love and hospitality extended to them. “We feel more comfortable here than being at home,” one of the artists said. “We are impressed by the beauty of Pakistan,” another commented. The exhibition is schedule to open on October 21 and will continue till October 31.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2016.