It was an amazingly beautiful display of glass art work by visiting Dutch artist Martin Villems on February 26 at National Art Gallery of Pakistan National Council of the Arts. The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Willem Andreae, Ambassador of the Netherlands.
This is the third time that Martin has exhibited in Pakistan, the first being at Faisalabad in 2006, then in January 2008 in Lahore and finally in Islamabad with over fifty glittering, reflecting and shining art pieces aesthetically displayed at the gallery.
Martin Villems, 73, initially studied painting, designing ceramics and sculpture in Barcelona and Parague. It was followed by a year of specialisation in the medium of polyester and bonze. Passing through such multi dimensional disciplines Martin finally opted for the blowing glass art as the most fascinating medium for his creative sublimation.
The genre of glass blowing art is considered the most creative method in the world. It is an old technique giving form to the initial mass of glass. A blowing pipe is used to pick up a small ball of melted glass from the burning kiln. At this stage the ball remains without the air, otherwise bubbles appear in the substance resulting the distortion of shape and form conceived by the artist in his/her imagination.
The glass ball grows and starts to take the required shaped as air is blown through the pipe. The melted glass mass in the kiln must have a temperature of more than 1000 degrees centigrade.
Once the glass is out and blowing starts the glass mass will cool very quickly to 900 degrees, which is the temperature required for blowing. Controlling the temperature level during the blowing time is very important. It is also important for the end result that the best gas flames are used for the cooling. The control of the gas flame is done by a good computer program which cools the glass to the right temperature at the exact times.
In reply to a query about his perception of art by this scribe Martin Willems said: "My art is an exposure and reflection of my inner self. It is a combination of handicraft and creative pursuits. In the first instance the artist may use wood, steel, etc but modelling by hand is the most effective way to give form to the glass. When the piece is ready as desired it will be picked up from the blowing pipe and placed in the cooling kiln."
"There are many more mediums to express oneself. Why the glass was your final choice?" "Glass is very near to my inner self. It is transparent, soft, delicate and requires more precision and articulation during creativity. My work is colourful because colours have been my passion and inspiration since my early schooling" Martin replied.
The glass exhibits are imbibed with richness of colours in red, blue, yellow and their combinations and suitable matches with supplementary colours and shades. The forms depict a variety of imaginative as well as realistic forms and shapes giving a sense of sublimation to the viewers.
While inaugurating the exhibition Ambassador Willem Andreae highlighted the bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands since distant past. He said that growth of mutual friendship in the area of art and culture is equally important. Earlier, Naeem Tahir, chief executive of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts welcomed the guests and briefed about the significance of cultural diplomacy as the most significant instrument of the promotion of peace and understanding amongst the comity of nations. He thanked the ambassador for giving support in arranging consecutive cultural events, including mime show a few weeks back held in the NAG and now the ongoing exhibition of glass art work for the benefit of Pakistani artists and viewers. The exhibition would continue in the month of March.
ENCYCLOPEDIA TO PRESERVE HERITAGE:
The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, popularly known as Lok Virsa is considered the glittering star on the cultural horizon of Pakistan. Besides several projects it has yet another feather of making a series of encyclopaedia.
The encyclopaedia about the heritage of NWFP has been accomplished with a lot of field surveys and research work. The latest documentary work reflects the arts, culture and traditions of the area highlighting its geographic landmarks, historical evolution, demographics, customs and costumes, ethos, crafts, means of subsistence, languages and dialects, fairs and festivals, arts and architecture etc. The encyclopaedia consists of over 200 pictures depicting Pakistan as the custodian of several ancient civilisations nurtured on its soil since distant past.
The most significant aspect of the documentation revolves around the cherished values of love, peace and co-existence. The encyclopaedia has all the basic data and reference material which meets the requirement of educational, cultural and research pursuits of people.
It will be recalled the Lok Virsa has already accomplished the encyclopaedia on Northern Areas of the country. It indeed deserves applause by the nation for such a commendable job. It may be mentioned that more important part of the project still awaits their attention. It relates to the wide ranged disposal of such research works. For instance in the wake of degeneration of the society the priorities have been changed from cultural and artistic pursuits to materialistic gains. This practice has been harming in building up our new generation as a sane unit of the society.
Our young people have almost lost the sense of pride and belonging towards our past heritage. To bridge this harmful and dangerous intellectual gulf, it is our foremost obligation to infuse heritage literature among the general masses and especially our youth. It is hoped that Lok Virsa would attach due importance to this aspect of their valuable project of heritage encyclopaedia.
Shah latif: a living legend of peace Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is the living legend of our time and the nation should feel proud of having such a mystic genius in its fold. It was the consensus which emerged in a literary function arranged to mark the Urs of the revered saint and pay tribute to the great mystic poet on February 24 under the auspices of Pakistan Intellectual Forum (PIF).
Shah Abdul Latif(1689-1752) was born in the village Sui-Qandar a few miles to the east of the present town of Bhit Shah named after him. His early schooling was accomplished in a traditional 'Maktab' where he excelled even in Persian language.
His correspondence in Persian language with a contemporary scholar Makhdoom Moinuddin Thattavi, as contained in the Risala-e-Owaisi, bears witness to his scholastic competence.
"Beloved's separation kills me of my friend. At his door, many like me, their knees bend. From far and near is heard His beauty's praise. My Beloved's beauty is perfection itself". The famous book "Shah Jo Rasalo" is the compilation of his mystic poetry enriched with beauty of thought based on love for the Almighty Creator and His creature.
Eminent intellectual Asadullah Khan Mungrani said that Shah Latif strived all his life for the light of truthfulness so that his people could live a truthful life imbibed with peace, progress and prosperity. He reiterated for the promotion of Shah's teachings in all corners of the country through all available resources be emerged. Hashim Abro of PIF commented that Shah Abdul Latif is revered in Sindh as the symbol of light and guidance by all people hailing from different shades of ideologies and beliefs.
This glorious outcome of his spiritual teachings should be launched further as the motivational force for people in general and our youth in particular. Professor Dr Qasim Rind said that his message could be used as a tool for personality building of our new generation so that a strong nation with solid character could emerge to meet the modern day challenges.
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