Calligraphy: Visitors impressed by detail

Artists hope arts council continues to host such exhibitions.

FAISALABAD: As many as 50 calligraphic artworks are on display at the Faisalabad Arts Council’s Art Gallery in a three-day exhibition that ends on Monday (today).

The display includes oil painting as well as pencil sketches that speak volumes of the artists’ focus on intricacy and detail.

Most of the artists have painted Quranic verses and the attributive names of Allah and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Gulzar Ahmed Butt, one of the artists, said the residents of Faisalabad had always appreciated art, especially Islamic calligraphy.

“It is the third time my work is on display in the town,” he said.

Muhammad Siddique, another artist whose paintings were highly appreciated, hoped the tradition to arrange calligraphy exhibition in this city would continue. He said his personal favourites were Arabic, Persian and Ottoman Turkish calligraphies “associated with abstract arabesque motifs on the walls and ceilings of mosques”.

Saadia Hussain, a student at the Faisalabad Institute of Textile and Fashion Design, appreciated the artwork. She said such exhibitions helped students learn from senior artists. She urged that the government and other departments concerned should take necessary steps to promote cultural activities.

Khadija Hussain, a fine arts student, praised the arts council for providing a platform for art and creativity. Arts projected the norms, traditions and culture of a nation, she said, adding, it is the best medium to convey messages and highlight issues.

Noorun Nisa, a visitor, said the choice of vibrant colours in oil paintings made the work stand out. She said she had particularly liked the large canvases and multi-layered paintings.

Ali Ikram, an arts student, said he found it fascinating how calligraphy artists could blend the religions with cultural aspects. He said he looked forward to pursuing calligraphy himself.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2012.