Artist ‘marvellously’ captures Quaid’s visage

Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with ForArtSake hosted a solo exhibition of paintings and drawings by Ali Azmat, a veteran artist, on the occasion of Quaid’s 75th anniversary.

The exhibition was curated by Amna Pataudi and Dr Rahat Naveed Masood while Minister of National Heritage & Culture Division Jamal Shah inaugurated the event. While appreciating the artist’s contribution to the promotion of art and culture in the country, he said, “Ali Azmat adds colours, aesthetics, and takes up the responsibility to bring clarity and awareness in the larger political landscape of the country. He has accomplished this feat remarkably well in his works. As you walk from one painting to another, you can see how brilliantly Azmat Ali captures the changing expressions of the Quaid’s visage”.

Moreover, he said “The artist has painted a benign smile in one, changes into mild bewilderment in the next, looks melancholy sometimes, and disappointed in others. The repertoire of expressions is as rich as the colourful strokes of the artist. His works reflect his love for nature, history, and spirituality, as well as his social commentary on contemporary issues. He uses various mediums and techniques, such as oil, watercolours, acrylics, collage, and mixed media to create his unique style.

The show was heavily visited by a large audience including artists, students, VIPs, Government officials, press & media, etc. A large number of students also interviewed the artists about their techniques and art practices.

The exhibition will be accessible to the public until September 18, 2023, at the National Art Gallery of PNCA. This event is in line with PNCA's dedication to fostering art and culture in Pakistan and paying tribute to the 75th anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam.

PNCA is dedicated to promoting Pakistani art on both local and national scales. PNCA’s elevated and unique programmes that present the traditional and contemporary art practices reflect upon the excellence and cultural diversity of Pakistan as well as support professional development of the artist.

Furthermore, PNCA is committed to promoting significant aspects of the country and encourages community participation in gallery activities, fostering curatorial practice to artist's own understanding of their work and encourages a healthy and sustainable local arts industry. PNCA has maintained a range of regionally focused visual arts exhibitions featuring both nationally and internationally recognised artists.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2023.