A unique form of calligraphy comes to town

ISLAMABAD:

Muhammad Azeem’s latest collection at Lok Virsa is a unique combination of sculpture with painting on mixed media.

Titled “Quran and Peace”, exhibitioned was inaugurated by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan.

She said, “Islam gives us a message of peace, unity and brotherhood among mankind. If we really follow the spirit of Islam and Islamic traditions, we can easily come out of our problems even today.”

Pakistan has a deep and historic background of beautiful calligraphic traditions, which needs to be projected, she added.

The artist explores mediums such as leather and instead of using regular water, applies water from the sacred Zamzam well in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He has skillfully employed various mediums like leather, stone, wood, bamboo, gold, bronze, copper and handcrafted paper. The 75 pieces on display at Lok Virsa take the viewer on a journey through the life of the Prophet.

The exhibition depicts the golden era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), up to different eras of Islamic civilizations and the present century. Iqbal’s work, unlike other calligraphers, experiments with the expression of verse’s presentation.

This self-taught artist has not only paid attention to the design of the work itself, but also on decorative elements such as framing. The antique flavour that he has given the framing incorporates the frame into the art. Even though some pieces are overwhelming and highly experimental, the artist has provided a wide variety of pieces for visitors to appreciate. The exhibition will remain on display daily at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum till August 29 between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.





Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2011.