Students tell stories with the strokes of a paintbrush
Children show off their hard work at an art exhibition
PHOTO: RIDA WAQAR/EXPRESS
KARACHI:
The walls of T2F were decorated on Thursday with portraits of Mona Lisa with a desi twist, Picasso’s abstract art and the modern art of optical illusions. The pieces, which could have been part of any big name artist’s collection, were actually part of ‘Taa’ruf’ (An Introduction between Two Worlds), an exhibition of works by young students of government schools managed by the Zindagi Trust.
Girls clad in school uniforms displayed some beautiful pieces of art. These works of art, inspired by artists like Picasso, Da Vinci and Paul Klee, were produced by students of classes three to nine.
Art exhibition at Zulfi Gallery
“There were two kinds of Taa’ruf or introductions happening via art here. First, these students were introduced to the world outside their neighbourhoods and their time learning about other cultures and movements in their art classes. Then, the students were also introduced to another world – that of Karachi’s gallery goers – through the platform of this art show,” explained Anam Shakil, head of arts at the Zindagi Trust.
“I believe art is a quiet language, it says a lot without actually using words,” 15-year-old Aisha Imtiaz said as she sat alongside her canvas after completing a piece of ‘blind contouring’, an art form where a picture is painted without looking at it directly.
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Nearby 13-year-old Suman Bhooota presented her and her classmates’ work and spoke passionately about how Picasso, at the tender age of 13, was able to produce great pieces of art.
At government schools like the SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School and Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government School, the Zindagi Trust aims to reform the education system. It seeks to bring about a change in the perception of people about art. It aspires to spread awareness about the importance of the arts.
Many students expressed how they faced opposition from their family members for opting to pursue art. “My mother supports me, she appreciates my work and capabilities but my father believes I am wasting my time by focusing on arts,” lamented one student.
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“I never knew I could draw, but, after taking these classes, I discovered my own talents,” said Maida Rashid, a student of grade nine. “We found that a good quality art programme also helps improve enrolment and attendance, and eventually student achievement in subjects beyond art,” Sana Kazmi, special programmes manager at the Zindagi Trust, explained.
Students were of the opinion that the introduction of art courses in their school curriculum helped them develop an interest in studies. It opened a new arena of opportunities for them.
A glance at the gallery revealed how these children could also be remembered for their creativity like Picasso and other artists. All they need is an opportunity to develop their skills.
The walls of T2F were decorated on Thursday with portraits of Mona Lisa with a desi twist, Picasso’s abstract art and the modern art of optical illusions. The pieces, which could have been part of any big name artist’s collection, were actually part of ‘Taa’ruf’ (An Introduction between Two Worlds), an exhibition of works by young students of government schools managed by the Zindagi Trust.
Girls clad in school uniforms displayed some beautiful pieces of art. These works of art, inspired by artists like Picasso, Da Vinci and Paul Klee, were produced by students of classes three to nine.
Art exhibition at Zulfi Gallery
“There were two kinds of Taa’ruf or introductions happening via art here. First, these students were introduced to the world outside their neighbourhoods and their time learning about other cultures and movements in their art classes. Then, the students were also introduced to another world – that of Karachi’s gallery goers – through the platform of this art show,” explained Anam Shakil, head of arts at the Zindagi Trust.
“I believe art is a quiet language, it says a lot without actually using words,” 15-year-old Aisha Imtiaz said as she sat alongside her canvas after completing a piece of ‘blind contouring’, an art form where a picture is painted without looking at it directly.
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Nearby 13-year-old Suman Bhooota presented her and her classmates’ work and spoke passionately about how Picasso, at the tender age of 13, was able to produce great pieces of art.
At government schools like the SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School and Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government School, the Zindagi Trust aims to reform the education system. It seeks to bring about a change in the perception of people about art. It aspires to spread awareness about the importance of the arts.
Many students expressed how they faced opposition from their family members for opting to pursue art. “My mother supports me, she appreciates my work and capabilities but my father believes I am wasting my time by focusing on arts,” lamented one student.
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“I never knew I could draw, but, after taking these classes, I discovered my own talents,” said Maida Rashid, a student of grade nine. “We found that a good quality art programme also helps improve enrolment and attendance, and eventually student achievement in subjects beyond art,” Sana Kazmi, special programmes manager at the Zindagi Trust, explained.
Students were of the opinion that the introduction of art courses in their school curriculum helped them develop an interest in studies. It opened a new arena of opportunities for them.
A glance at the gallery revealed how these children could also be remembered for their creativity like Picasso and other artists. All they need is an opportunity to develop their skills.