Watercolours illuminate Karachi's vanishing heritage

The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi transformed the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery into a sanctuary of memory and colour as renowned artist Hamir Soomro unveiled his latest watercolour exhibition, "Celebrating the Heritage of Karachi Volume 3."

In delicate washes of pigment, Soomro has captured the fading grandeur of Karachi's architectural gems - from Flagstaff House and St. Patrick's Church to Khaliq Dina Hall and Denso Hall. His 71 works, shimmering with light and shadow, invite viewers to pause and rediscover the city's forgotten beauty.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, alongside the artist himself. Diplomats including the Consul General of Japan, Hattori Masaru, and the Consul General of Italy, Fabrizio Bielli, joined a distinguished gathering of art patrons, critics, and cultural figures.

For Soomro, the exhibition is more than art - it is resistance against erasure. "Karachi's historic buildings are disappearing before our eyes," he said. "I paint them so their spirit endures. People often overlook their beauty, but these structures are the city's heartbeat. We must value this heritage."

He added that Karachi, with its vast resources and layered history, can become even more beautiful if its citizens embrace ownership of their cultural legacy.