Remembering Rahimdad: A potter par excellence

Exhibition of pottery and paintings aims to support the fallen artist’s family.


Maha Mussadaq April 03, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


In a bid to recall the contributions of artist Rahimdad, Nomad Art Gallery put together an exhibition showcasing various artists on Tuesday. The proceeds from the sales will go to the artist’s family. 


Rahimdad was no stranger to the local art scene-- his historical old clay train that later sold to an art collector-- was a treasured piece at Saidpur Village. The gallery has now taken the initiative to sell some of his original handmade pots revamped by artist Zia Zaidi.

“Inspite of Rahimdad’s decades of contribution to keeping the craft alive, he died under trying circumstances. This is a small initiative to make his family comfortable before they can create a reasonable income,” said Nageen Hyat, curator of the gallery.

Zaidi has used bold splashes of colour in a mix of different media to liven up the simplistic clay pots. “I worked as a bridge between the craftsman and craft itself,” he said.

Artist Mashoor Raza, an expert of figurative abstract, also has his work on display in the collection. His canvas of abstract images of women and horses with the moon and an eclipsed sun is commendable. The Madhubani collection by veteran artists and painter from Bihar India is also on display. Riffat Khattak’s portraits of Islamabad in dull and subtle colors are extraordinary.

Arjuman Awan’s bright-coloured artwork that gives out a message on the challenges of the society are really beautiful to look at, said Aila, a visitor. The bright navy blues with blended figures narrate a story of people in trouble at the same time a bright sun in the background of the dismay speaks about hope, she added. Other artists whose work is being exhibited include Anjum Ayub, Rashid Khan and Saba Hussain. The exhibition will continue till April 8.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2012.

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