Mani’s Art Gallery opens with Naqsh students’ work on display

Prominent artists, photographers and philanthropists attend opening.

LAHORE: Kulsoom Aftab Mani, a National College of Arts graduate, displayed her own and some Naqsh School of Arts students’ work on Saturday to open her art gallery in Gulberg, opposite Sukh Chain Fitness Club.

The items on display included kaghzi payalay (paper bowls), painted bottles, hand-painted bowls, miniature prints, reliefs of Mughal kings and some miniature paintings and motif tiles (Kashikari). Other than the painted bottles by Mani herself, all artwork was produced by Naqsh students.

Painted bowls were the centre of most visitors’ attraction. These potted bowls were painted and glazed and bore traditional motif.

Mani, the curator of the gallery, said that her aim in opening the gallery was to preserve heritage and traditional art forms like Kashikari (motif design). The prices were mostly reasonable with small glazed sparrows available for as low as Rs250. Some of the works were priced at up to Rs20,000.

The opening was attended by artist Saeed Akhtar, photographer Zafar Ahmad, Pakistan School of Fashion Design principal Hina Tayyaba and Erfan Ullah Babar.

Zafar Ullah Babar, one of the leading donors to the Naqsh School of Art and the art gallery, was also present. He said he wanted to promote these activities to highlight the work of upcoming artists.

Most of the visitors appreciated the works on displayed. Shadab, an architect, said, “I like all art pieces on display specially the glass bottles. I have rarely seen such pieces on display.” Minahil, a medical student, said she bought two paintings. “I came here expecting an exhibition of paintings but Mani has displayed a diverse range. I really like the prints on display.”

The prints of paintings and patterns were about Mughal-era buildings, including the Begum Shahi Masjid, Jahangir’s Tomb. Dai Angan’s Mosque and the Naulakha Haveli.

Prof Saeed Akhtar praised the work saying that he was impressed with the students of Naqsh Art School who were working to preserve the historical patterns by redesigning them. “I’m glad these youngsters give importance to this work,” he said. Some books on Sufism, Urdu and Punjabi poetry were on sale.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2010.