Artworks on peace building on display
Paintings and posters made by artists in connection with International Peace Day on display at Punjab Arts Council in Rawalpindi. PHOTOs: EXPRESS
As many as 54 paintings and posters by the youth were put on display at the Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi to commemorate the United Nations International Day for Peace on Wednesday.
The exhibits are an outcome of the art competition organised by the Devcom-Pakistan (Development Communications Network) in collaboration with the Islamabad Crescent Lion Club.
The young artists used various symbols such as dove to reflect the message of the day. The participants of the competition majorly highlighted the impact of wars and bloodshed in their paintings.
A couple of creative works reflected the atrocities in different parts of the world. The climate impact creating conflicts and disturbing peace remained a focus of participants as well.
Senator Fawzia Arshad said that generations flourish in peaceful societies and every individual plays a separate role in it. “We shall educate our children and youth to tolerate each other’s opinion and philosophy of life,” she added.
aHead of Art and Design section at the Westminster School, Riffat Ara Baig, was the chief jury on the occasion. While announcing the names of the winners, she said that the students have reflected the desired messages of peace. “Creative pursuits are the best way of educating people. The images remain in our minds forever,” she added.
Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed urged the authorities, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and social groups to engage the public of all ages in creative art therapies. Moreover, he said that “Engagement in art gives peace of mind and an undefined ultimate pleasure. Our politicians, hardliners, and vulnerable communities need them the most. Therefore, our artists shall come up to engage them for a tolerant society.”
Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi Director Waqar Ahmed said youth is an important and largest component of our society. Engaging them for a harmonized multicultural society is very crucial. Therefore, Punjab Arts Council has been organising several activities to engage youth and other segments of society to create harmony and peace.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2022.