Water colours: Grandeurs and Glories of Pakistan exhibition opens

Eighty pieces by architect-artist Muhammad Shafiq on display.

LAHORE:

An exhibition of water colors by veteran artist Muhammad Shafiq titled Grandeurs and Glories of Pakistan opened at the Alhamra Art Gallery on Thursday.

As many as 80 paintings were unveiled by Dr Ajaz Anwar.

Shafiq painted the Badshahi Masjid, the Wazir Khan Mosque, Chauburji, King Edward Medical College, Shalimar Garden, Lawrence Garden, Hiran Minar in soft colours blending into each other.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Shafiq said, “I have tried to depict the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan on canvas by choosing buildings with high architectural and cultural value as inspiration.”

Shafiq said he was planning on painting ancient sites including Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila.

Anwar said Shafiq had used various textures of paper to his advantage.

Commenting on one of the paintings, Anwar said, “As a compulsive Lawrence Garden hiker, Shafiq has tried to include botanical imagery to his work.”

He described Shafiq’s palette as rich and decorative, enhanced by linear strokes and attention to detail.

Anwar said Shafiq’s experience as an architect had helped him understand marbles, red sand stone and delicate carvings.

Anwar said Shafiq had highlighted perspective, vanishing points and levels in his paintings.

Anwar said, “The depiction of Wazir Khan mosque or the Badshahi Masjid is eye-catching because of Shafiq’s choice of colours.”

Shafiq is a senior water colour artist and an architect. He was born in Saharanpur, India, in 1941 and has been an artist for over 25 years. The exhibition was attended by senior artists, students and art enthusiasts. It will be open till September 6.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2013.