Exhibition: Tinged with the ethnic Lahori flavour
Kulsoom Aftab presents a unique amalgam of naqashi and photography.
ISLAMABAD:
The historic Wazir Khan Mosque of Lahore has come to Islamabad in Kulsoom Aftab’s latest collection.
Being displayed at Nomad Art Gallery, the exhibition focuses on ethnic photography and naqashi on bottles.
“I think of every bottle as a beautiful decorated woman,” said Aftab, who graduated from National College of Arts in 1998, “some appear as dancing girls, while others look like the Mughal Mahranis.”
Her exhibition not only features beautiful photographs of the Wazir Khan Mosque, but also life-sized panels of naqashi, that she has produced with the help of women from interior Lahore.
In literal terms, naqashi is based on historical decorative motifs. With a blend of Arab, Turkish and Persian styles, the artist sought out to preserve the dying heritage of Lahore city.
The vibrant colours and intricate designs make Aftab’s collection an inspiration for ethnic art lovers. More than being a collector’s item, the exhibit seems primarily compiled for the purpose of enlightenment.
Besides photographs and naqashi, the exhibit also features decorative tiles and terra cotta products.
Islamabad being one of the most culturally diverse cities of Pakistan, with a wide array of diplomatic community along with residents hailing from all corners of the country, Nomad, according to its curator, makes it a point to introduce them to the hidden treasures and sites from across the country.
The exhibit will continue till July 12.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2011.
The historic Wazir Khan Mosque of Lahore has come to Islamabad in Kulsoom Aftab’s latest collection.
Being displayed at Nomad Art Gallery, the exhibition focuses on ethnic photography and naqashi on bottles.
“I think of every bottle as a beautiful decorated woman,” said Aftab, who graduated from National College of Arts in 1998, “some appear as dancing girls, while others look like the Mughal Mahranis.”
Her exhibition not only features beautiful photographs of the Wazir Khan Mosque, but also life-sized panels of naqashi, that she has produced with the help of women from interior Lahore.
In literal terms, naqashi is based on historical decorative motifs. With a blend of Arab, Turkish and Persian styles, the artist sought out to preserve the dying heritage of Lahore city.
The vibrant colours and intricate designs make Aftab’s collection an inspiration for ethnic art lovers. More than being a collector’s item, the exhibit seems primarily compiled for the purpose of enlightenment.
Besides photographs and naqashi, the exhibit also features decorative tiles and terra cotta products.
Islamabad being one of the most culturally diverse cities of Pakistan, with a wide array of diplomatic community along with residents hailing from all corners of the country, Nomad, according to its curator, makes it a point to introduce them to the hidden treasures and sites from across the country.
The exhibit will continue till July 12.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2011.