A first for PNCA: Art lovers have more to cheer about with launch of new bazaar
Officials want to make the event a regular feature in future.
Visitors take keen interest in items put on display at art bazaar. PHOTO: APP
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) launched the first art bazaar at its premises on Sunday, following the success of a similar recent event organised by Gallery 6.
A variety of artworks, handmade home decorations and jewellery were on display at the bazaar’s 20 stalls. Although turnout was initially low, many visitors could later be seen making their way towards the PNCA grounds hoping to finding something to their liking.
“It’ll take time before people come out and explore on a Sunday afternoon, but the tradition of art bazaars should continue,” said a city resident who had braved the summer sun to make his way to the bazaar.
While art was the event’s main focus, young jewellery designer Aqdus Aslam and her stall appeared to attract the attention of most visitors.
Working from home, Aslam uses what is known as wire wrap jewellery to design necklaces and braces for younger buyers starting at Rs500. Apart from artificial jewellery, she also offers a variety of silver jewellery pieces to her customers, priced at Rs2,000 and above.
“I started working with jewellery during my O’ Level days. The wire wrap method requires no moulding or casting, hence the low prices, but with silver the prices are a little higher,” she stated.
Sadiq Bukhari’s hand-made silver jewellery, particularly the pieces using precious and semi-precious stones, also drew the eyes of many visitors.
Khabeer Shah and Riffat Khattak showcased their inventive greetings cards — designed using water colour calligraphy on carefully crafted hand-made paper.
Rawalpindi’s famous truck artist Habibur Rahman was also present at the event, displaying his assorted collection of brightly painted lanterns, metal watering cans, frames and mugs imprinted with truck art.
PNCA officials said that art bazaars would become a regular feature, and assured that steps would be taken to attract larger crowds at future events.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 8th, 2013.
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) launched the first art bazaar at its premises on Sunday, following the success of a similar recent event organised by Gallery 6.
A variety of artworks, handmade home decorations and jewellery were on display at the bazaar’s 20 stalls. Although turnout was initially low, many visitors could later be seen making their way towards the PNCA grounds hoping to finding something to their liking.
“It’ll take time before people come out and explore on a Sunday afternoon, but the tradition of art bazaars should continue,” said a city resident who had braved the summer sun to make his way to the bazaar.
While art was the event’s main focus, young jewellery designer Aqdus Aslam and her stall appeared to attract the attention of most visitors.
Working from home, Aslam uses what is known as wire wrap jewellery to design necklaces and braces for younger buyers starting at Rs500. Apart from artificial jewellery, she also offers a variety of silver jewellery pieces to her customers, priced at Rs2,000 and above.
“I started working with jewellery during my O’ Level days. The wire wrap method requires no moulding or casting, hence the low prices, but with silver the prices are a little higher,” she stated.
Sadiq Bukhari’s hand-made silver jewellery, particularly the pieces using precious and semi-precious stones, also drew the eyes of many visitors.
Khabeer Shah and Riffat Khattak showcased their inventive greetings cards — designed using water colour calligraphy on carefully crafted hand-made paper.
Rawalpindi’s famous truck artist Habibur Rahman was also present at the event, displaying his assorted collection of brightly painted lanterns, metal watering cans, frames and mugs imprinted with truck art.
PNCA officials said that art bazaars would become a regular feature, and assured that steps would be taken to attract larger crowds at future events.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 8th, 2013.