Throwback Thursday: ‘Gems of Lahore’ showcases art of old painters

Exhibition takes place as part of THAAP’s conference


Our Correspondent November 16, 2016
Exhibition takes place as part of THAAP’s conference . PHOTO: EXPRESS

LAHORE: In conjunction with THAAP’s conference ‘The People and The city’, an exhibition showcasing work of first generation Pakistani artists went on display at the Ejaz Art gallery.

The exhibition titled ‘Gems of Lahore’ featured painters that worked in Lahore after 1947. Most of the painters visited the walled city often while others embraced it as home. Paintings of Miran Baksh, Allah Baksh, Abdul Rehman Chugtai, Anna Molka Ahmad, Khalid Iqbal, Sadequain, Moyene Najmi sheikh Safdar, Anwar Jala Shemza, Naseen Hafiz Qazi, Jamila Zaidi, Latif Chugtai, Ahmed Pervaiz and Shakir Ali were displayed at the gallery.

Their art that depicted society, modern and traditional thought has influenced future generations of artists and painters all over the country. Anna Molka Ahmed who lived from 1917 to 1994 moved to Lahore in 1941, she was the driving force behind the first institution that was opened to female artists in the country. Her work is characterised by vigour, confidence and powerful colour palate.

One of the world and Pakistan’s most renowned artist was also paid tribute at the gallery. Sadequain Naqqash is considered one of the finest painters and calligrapher the country has ever produced. He died in 1987. Paintings of Naseem Hafiz Qazi poularly known as Miss Qazi were also put up. Qazi’s oil paintings were done in peculiar technique with visible chamfered brush strokes much inspired from impressionism through moderate grading of colour and keen study of light and shadows. Shemza was one of the first Pakistani artists to use calligraphy in its pure form. It appears that he was introducing a trend already popular in Europe but originally inspired by the art of the Middle East and South Asia. The paintings will remain on display till November 21.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2016.

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