Tradition calligraphy exhibition at Jharoka

Featuring the work of 5 artists, 35% sales from the exhibition will go towards charity funds for flood affected areas.

ISLAMABAD: A calligraphy exhibition titled “Salaam Ramadan” is being displayed at Jharoka Art Gallery. Featuring the work of five artists, 35% sales from the exhibition  will go towards charity funds for flood affected areas.

Kashif Qadri’s classic calligraphy is ethnic, with attention to intricate detail and precision. The calligraphy is clearly written, with traditional motifs in beige and turquoise in the background.

Nafisa Kohsar from Chakwal, who has previously displayed her landscape paintings at the gallery, has experimented with oil paints.

“She is a versatile artist and has proved her skills and talent. She is better at calligraphy than landscape, and she has the potential to become one of the best calligraphists in the country,” Nahida Raza, curator of the gallery, said about Kohsar.

Her elegant work has been highlighted with gold which gives the paintings a traditional look.

Hanif Khan has used oil on canvas and his work is a mixture of calligraphy and traditional Muslim architecture. The background for the calligraphy is forts and mosques that represent Muslim culture, with the calligraphy clearly visible above them.

Arif Khan works on a large canvas and his blend of dark colours mixed with calligraphy is different from the traditional use of lighter tones and shades.

Khan, a senior artist, has worked on leather before and has been exhibiting for the past 20 years. His work includes the depiction of artistic words along with their meanings.

Saima Ashfaque’s calligraphy on board includes the use of silver leaves and oil paint. Her work speaks for itself and her use and blend of colours makes her work look sophisticated and classic.

Monday is the last day for the paintings to be exhibited at Jharoka Art Gallery.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2010.