Haiku illustrations on display at PNCA
Japanese Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro, artist students and teachers pose for a photo after the inauguration of the exhibition at PNCA. PHOTOS: EXPRESS
To promote creativity and cultural affinity about the traditional Japanese poetic form of Haiku among the youth of Pakistan, a first-ever “Haiku Poetry Art Illustrations Exhibition” was organised at the National Art Gallery on Thursday.
The event was arranged by the Embassy of Japan and Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Islamabad in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, together with Justice (retd) Ali Nawaz Chowhan, President, PJCA Islamabad, inaugurated the show in the presence of haiku poets, artists, teachers, students and other distinguished guests.
The exhibition that features 110 artworks themed on the Haikus painted by the students from educational institutions in the twin cities including some art organisations have been put on display depicting their creative talent as well as their understanding of haiku.
Jamal Shah, an eminent artist and executive member of Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association Islamabad curated the exhibition.
Haiku is a precise, compact and condensed form of traditional Japanese poetry written in 5-7-5 syllabic form usually in three lines that dates back to the 17th century and 2 / 2 still remains popular in modern Japan, and is now practiced in many countries of the world, including Pakistan.
H.E. Ambassador WADA appreciated the students and other artists participating in the exhibition for their eye-catching thematic artworks reflecting their keen interest and understanding of haiku poetry and Japanese culture. The ambassador said that the purpose of showcasing this exhibition was to encourage the students in exploring and doing research on haiku poetry and also to show their artistic skills. “Understanding art and culture of another country is the best way to get familiar with its people and society as it promotes enhanced people-to-people contacts hailing from varying cultures.”
As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan as well as the 50th anniversary since the establishment of PJCA Islamabad, this exhibition is a part of activities arranged to commemorate the bond of friendship between the two countries in a befitting way.
The exhibition will remain open to the public till September 29.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2022.