The Punjab Arts Council (PAC) organised a painting exhibition titled ‘Beautiful Pakistan’ in connection with the upcoming celebrations related to Independence Day which concluded in the garrison city on Monday.
The exhibit included works of emerging and established artists, including those who had received training at the PAC. They included Khurram Shahbaz Babri, Muhammad Younis Rumi, Shaista Haider Baloch, Wajiha Raja, Maryam Ghori, Tabinda Batul and Fatima Farjad.
The works included those using oil and acrylic with a dazzling array of colours. The paintings had a traditional theme with the artworks capturing the various sports part of local culture. It included tributes to local wrestling, or pehlwans, bull-cart racing and tent pegging among others.
Pakistan’s various landscapes were also captured by artists using a variety of techniques.
Rawalpindi Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Director General Ahmad Hassan Ranjha inaugurated the exhibit as the chief guest. While addressing the participants, Ranjha said Punjab stands as a region steeped in cultural heritage and cherished traditions.
He added that Pakistan has been graced with captivating natural landscapes, picturesque valleys, a historical legacy and captivating cultural practices. Known as the land of five rivers, Punjab boasts a wealth of heritage, scenic beauty, religious pilgrimage sites, historical landmarks and structures, vibrant cultural events, festivals, cherished customs, exceptional wildlife and rare flowers, he added.
Meanwhile, Naheed Manzoor said the arts council would continue to serve as a thriving hub for the arts. The inherent artistic prowess of Pakistani youth is evident, she said and added that fostering their growth would bring out the finest aspects of their artistic endeavours.
PAC Director Waqar Ahmed said that the artists had captured the views of nature in a manner that showed how words were superfluous. “Colours speak their own language,” he added.
At the conclusion of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to these artists.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 8th, 2023.
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