In an effort to highlight the challenges facing biodiversity, wildlife and the environment, as many as 77 paintings by artists Ahsan Qureshi and Kamran Qureshi were put on display at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).
The show aimed to initiate collective action toward conserving nature where the existence of humans depended on the well-being of all other living things.
The artists through their art attempted to educate the public on wildlife, environment and pollution issues.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Fareena Mazhar inaugurated the show and lauded the endeavor of the artists.
"It is the time that every segment of the society must come forward to play their role in saving our environment and highlight issues like climate change," she said, adding that visual art was a tool that worked to create awareness on various issues among the masses through soft expressions.
Both artists are brothers who have spent their lives observing pristine wilderness, which in return has taught them ways to appreciate the flawless design and harmony of all creation, said the organisers.
"We have used many a canvas to express ourselves, sometimes by portraying nature, sometimes by being part of it. We are self-taught weekend artists,” said Kamran Qureshi.
He went on to say that both of us share a passion for the conservation of nature, our artwork aims to showcase gems of nature in their natural habitats and at their best.
We hope to inspire people around us so that we take collective actions to restore the balance of nature before it is too late," he added.
"It is painful to see that many of our wild places are vanishing rapidly. Clear waters are becoming murkier, rubbish is finding its way to the remotest and cleanest places and the air is becoming unhealthy to breathe,” the artist said.
He lamented that plants and animals are fighting for survival. We fear that this is becoming our legacy. Will there be anything left for our children to have a healthy life?.
The show is a message to join hands in making the world a healthy place to live by being gentle and thoughtful about the environment.
The depictions are also a call for small steps toward discouraging wildlife trafficking, producing less waste, conserving fuel and power, stop using single-use plastics to ensure litter-free wild places. The paintings done with the medium of oil on canvas include "The Rarities", "Misty Flight", "Frozen World", "Mallard Family", "Bright Morning", "By the Frozen Stream", "Early Spring", "Common Pochard Drakes" and many others.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 19th, 2022.
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