LAC resumes activities with calligraphy expo

The provincial capital has been famous for its cultural festivals, literary gatherings and other events of art and entertainment.

 However, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic cultural activities were suspended in Pakistan like the rest of the world.

Nevertheless, after a drop in virus cases across Punjab, the art and cultural activities have once again started in the provincial metropolis.

Currently, a large number of people do not appear at the events together, but various programmes are being offered online.  An exhibition of calligraphy was recently organised by Lahore Arts Council (LAC) at Alhamra Arts Gallery.

In the exhibition, as many as 150 works of art by at least 100 calligraphers were displayed. The eight-day national exhibition titled ‘Lauh-e-Qalam’ was inaugurated by Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht along with LAC Board of Governors (BoG) Chairperson Muneeza Hashmi and LAC Executive Director (ED) Saman Rai.

Speaking on the occasion, the finance minister stated that calligraphy was fundamental in Islamic art, whose works adorn art galleries and museums around the world.

“Alhamra is a leading institution in the field of arts in providing extensive opportunities to the youth. Pakistani youth have proved their skills in every field of the world. Our country has various talents when it comes to art and artists.”

He further said, “I congratulate the Al Hamra administration, especially the LAC executive director, on the successful organisation of this exhibition. It was a great pleasure to see Quranic verses, hadiths, Iqbal's poetry, Urdu and Persian works of art in the exhibition.”

The BoG chairperson said that calligraphy was a reflection of ancient civilisations and a beautiful avenue of cultural expression. The executive director stated that Al Hamra was highlighting constructive and creative abilities in the youth.

“Our artists made good use of calligraphy in their work and we are passing this art on to the next generation.” Calligraphers Association of Pakistan General Secretary Irfan Qureshi stated, "Al Hamra organised a successful and important initiative for the artistic youth.

As many as 150 works of more than 100 calligraphers have been displayed in the exhibition.” Along with the exhibition ‘Lauh-e-Qalam’, a workshop and a painting competition were also organised.

The young calligraphers at the event said that the art of calligraphy was very old and a lot of work had been done on it in Muslim countries.

“We are also doing our part in advancing this Islamic tradition.

"We believe that such activities were very important in the current era because art and culture can play an important role in making this region peaceful," he added.

An artist said, “This is truly a unique exhibition of its kind and the works of art presented in it are unmatched. It would not be wrong to say that these works of art are in line with the international standards in all respects.” Governments and cultural institutions should play their part in promoting this art, an artist concluded.