Exhibition: Creativity at its animated best

PNCA spotlights the father-son duo Anwar Ali and Dr Ajaz Anwar.

ISLAMABAD:

Around 280 works by the renowned water colourist Dr Ajaz Anwar adorned the gallery of Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), at the exhibition that kicked off here on Tuesday. The showcase included 55 sketches and 200 paintings.

The Turkish Ambassador Babur Hizlan inaugurated the event, after which Anwar went around the gallery explaining his work in Turkish to the ambassador.

His work employs subtle hues blended well-- each work a masterpiece in itself. From small portfolios to large paintings of buildings, the technique makes for the appeal. His work mostly revolves around the old Lahore, as he tries to capture the essence of vanishing architectural beauty of busy city. With the presence of people and buildings, the painting depicts another regular day. “I felt the essence of Lahore in the strokes of his brush,” said Mahira Khan, a visitor.

“His work is very expressive, the details really draw you in,” said Ayesha Khan, an art student.  Her friend Saniya Anwar appreciated the attention to detail in each piece.

He derived inspiration from his father Anwar Ali, whose work is also being displayed at the exhibition. Ali contributed to Dawn Newspaper when it was published from New Delhi before the partition.

He was later appointed as the staff cartoonist with Pakistan Times in 1947. His famous satirical cartoon character Nanna is still alive in readers mind even after his death in 2004.

Having displayed his work all over the world, Anwar has also won the Pride of Performance. The exhibition is on display till May 18.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2012.