Art that educates: Spreading Islamic knowledge through artwork

The exhibition features a total of 64 calligraphic pieces.

ISLAMABAD:

While most calligraphers in the country prefer to concentrate on the beauty of Arabic letters, Canada-based artist Salim A Khan focuses on giving translations and spreading religious knowledge through his work.

His exhibition, which opened at Lok Virsa on Thursday, features a total of 64 calligraphic pieces of Quranic verses.

Though his work lacks creativity, with little focus on the art and techniques, it offers an insight into different religious topics.

The exhibition was divided into various segments, with each large display covering different topics such as Hajj, Zakat, fasting and the importance of certain animals in the ecosystem as explained in the Quran.

Each topic was backed up with English and Urdu translations of the Quranic verses.

A large number of families were present on the first day of the exhibition and were seen explaining the translations of Quranic verses to the young ones.

“I had something different in mind, but it is a good educational experience for my children,” said Sadia Khan, a schoolteacher who was present with her two daughters.

Khan, who initially forayed into artificial modelling at the National Museum in Karachi, has held several prominent exhibitions in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

As an independent artist, he has been a key contributor to over 100 inter-cultural festivals and art exhibitions.

The exhibition will remain open till November 28 from 10am to 6pm except on Mondays.

Salim, who earlier displayed his work at the Lahore Museum, is now planning to take the exhibition to Karachi in December.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2012.