Thesis display: NCA students showcase their creative work

Some artworks are influenced by postmodernism art

LAHORE: Students, displaying their creative zeal, curated their work for the public at the Zahoorul Akhlaq Gallery at the National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore on Monday.

Eighteen students of the MA (Hons) Visual Art programme showcased their work at the 16th Degree Show of the programme at the NCA. Students, in their visual arts projects, showcased artworks created from repurposed material as well as works influenced by the postmodernism art forms.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, NCA Principal Dr Murtaza Jafri, who is also the director of the Visual Art Programme, said that the 2-year programme was all encompassing and students were asked to work on research, writing, painting, studio work etc.

“The programme is unique and its results can now be seen in the exhibition, where students have delved into all forms of art to speak to their audience,” he said, adding that the programme also invited artists, who held discussions with students to groom them.



The 18 graduating students are Kanwal Tariq, Javeria Khan, Madeeha lqbal, Maria Jamali, Sehrish Rafique, Zahid Soomro, Rida Zainab, Aqeela Sherazi, Sidra Saleem, Adnan Mairaj, Noor-Ul-Ain, Rida Fatima, Maryam Saleem, Farhan Rasool, Syrrah Ali, Nida Alina, Hadia Moiz and Babar Gull.

Madeeha Iqbal, who designed a small room with pillows, bed and other items made out of medical equipment, said that she – through her work – explored the concept of pain and please. She said, “Needles evoked a sense of discomfort for many and I tried to show the balance between pleasure and discomfort in my work.”

Commenting on the process of selecting students for the Degree Show, MA (Hons) Visual Arts Department Coordinator Shireen Bano said, “It is after a rigorous process, where a panel of qualified and experienced art practitioners from renowned art institutions critique and review students work that the Degree Show opens for public exhibition. Showcasing a broad spectrum of interests and concerns, students of the MA (Hons) Visual Art Programme have sought to explore varied possibilities in terms of form, content and material.”

The show will be on display from December 26 to January 5, 2017 and will remain open on Saturday and Sunday.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2016.