Exhibition displays renowned artist’s work

Features series on Partition and art highlighting the story and culture of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

An art exhibition titled “A tribute to the people of Pakistan” by renowned artist and social worker Jimmy Engineer has been organised by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and For Art’s Sake.

The show is ongoing at the national art gallery and exhibits 100 of Jimmy’s canvas prints which have been curated by Dr Rahat Naveed and Amna I Pataudi.

The artist’s work ranges from landscapes and seascapes, to still life and abstract art. His work includes his colour philosophy series, poverty series, historical paintings on the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan, and drawings on various aspects of social injustice.

Jimmy painted the famed “Javednama” as part of his philosophical series, while the architectural series took him 13 years to complete. He started painting the historical series based on the 1947 partition in the 1970s. His work is striking in its detail, and his use of an awe-inspiring colour palette captures the viewer's heart.

In total, Jimmy has painted around 90 paintings, out of which, 35 to 40 are on display at the gallery. The curators said that selection from his diverse range of artwork was not easy, but to give viewers a taste of his genius, they had managed to exhibit some of the most striking ones.

Jimmy also announced that he will be donating 700,000 canvas prints in the name of charity all over the world.

The chief guest at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, which was held on June 5, was the National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. While addressing the ceremony, the Speaker said: Jimmy is a wonderful artist and I pay tribute to his art. He has always worked for Pakistan and highlighted the name of Pakistan.”

Jimmy, in response said that he was the servant of Pakistan, which meant that the purpose of his work was to serve Pakistan. “I wish to tell the world through my work that we, Pakistani, are peaceful people,” he said.

Jamal Shah also spoke at the event. He said that Jimmy was a great artist, who knew his art very well, and that he was able to recognise his vision through his work.

Jimmy Engineer is an internationally acclaimed artist and social worker. His canvases have been exhibited extensively in Pakistan and abroad.  Around sixty to seventy countries have his artworks. His paintings are displayed in various private collections in Italy, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Russia, China, Germany and the USA.

The exhibition of Jimmy’s work will remain open until June 14. Visitors may get the opportunity to meet the artist and get inspired by his passion and dedication.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2024.