Art exhibition: Hospitality, not kalashnikov, Pakhtun’s identity

Art works by students and teachers depict the softer side of Pakhtun culture.

PESHAWAR:

A week-long painting exhibition depicting cultural heritage of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) concluded here on Thursday.

The event, organised by University of Peshawar’s Fine Arts Department held at Pashto Museum Hall. The show aimed at portraying the rich cultural heritage of K-P, promoting its soft image at national and international levels, said students. A collection of 100 paintings and photographs made by the students, faculty and alumni were on display. They used water colours, oil paints and other mediums. Pots painted in vibrant hues were a big attraction for the visitors.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Fine Arts Department Lecturer Nasir Mehmood said, “Through this exhibition, we want to give the message to the world that we are peace-loving people, not terrorists.” Raheem Shah Shinwari, a student of sociology commented, “The exhibition shows that Pakhtuns hate violence.” The culture of Pakhtun is not kalashnikovs but peace and hospitality. Farwa, another student appreciated the effort, “Such art shows would help promote hidden talent of the students.”

Sahibullah, a student of Pashto Academy commented, “Incredible! I can’t believe that students did this. The colour combinations are very nice. This shows that our province is full of talent.” Another student of the same department, Zahid Kamal said “The students tactfully transformed their ideas on canvas. They also depicted true culture of the province through brush and canvas. They succeeded in presenting the soft image of the land.”

Momina, a visitor, said “Artists skillfully portrayed Pakhtun and Chitrali culture.” She added that such events provide students with a platform to showcase their talent.

A large number of visitors attended the exhibition, appreciating the show and stressing for similar events in the future.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2011.