The Nomad Art Gallery has been the venue of a wonderful exhibition of mixed media by Samina Ali Akhtar these days. The event would continue till the last day of the month. The display offers a big range of multidimensional creativity by the artist.
It includes attractive and charming collage work studded with either original or copied manuscripts, calligraphic inscriptions, precious stones and of course images created in acrylic paints. The art of composition and balanced maintained on the canvases speak the mastery of the artist. 'What I create is in fact the inner feelings nurtured within my own self.
The elements of calligraphic art truly represent the fluidity and purity of a soul, which spring out and take place on the canvases', commented Samina while elaborating her perception of artistic pursuits. She has developed a special taste for the art of architecture with reference to its socio-cultural ambience.
Samina took in depth studies in the faculty of Mughal architecture during a project of preservation of Lahore Fort in collaboration with Dr Bernard Feilden. During this creative exercise she learnt the glory of this art and its relevance with the society and its people. While narrating her feelings she said, 'the grandeur of Mughal architecture especially the fortification elements coupled with refinement and aesthetic of the fort is amazing and heart catching.
The combination of two different poles is wonderful in nature.' One could see the same architectural beauty and aesthetic charm in the art pieces created by her. Nageen Hayat, the dynamic executive director of Nomad Art Gallery opined that the artist has strong inclination towards the historical icons which have beautifully applied in her creative process. The exhibits thus created in fact play vital role in highlighting the process of continuity and evolution of human society.'
Samina Ali Akhtar is the product of University of the Punjab and having done her masters in fine arts opted teaching there till 1999. She briefly served the National College of Arts, Lahore where she conducted various seminars on the theme of 'European art and architecture'. Presently she is a faculty member at the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
'HUM MILLET KAY PASBAN' It was indeed a promising sign to see the amateur artists acting, producing and presenting the play title 'Hum Millet Kay Pasban' on the stage of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi on January 21. The well knitted script was based on the theme of patriotism and prime sacrifices of our jawans and officers while defending the holy land in the wake of terrorism.
The AAUR has been moving fast with regard to his curricular and co-curricular agenda for some time back. Last week there was a charming floral exhibition, a real treat regarding the near to end season of autumn. On that occasion an exhibition of visual arts and handicrafts was also arranged.
It was indeed a good exponent of students' creative pursuits as well as the true and motivational guidance of teachers to their students. Now as yet one step forward the department of students affairs has successfully arranged a cultural event studded with a stage play and recitation of mystic poetry.
The chief guest on the occasion Dr Khalid Mahmood Khan, vice chancellor of the university was very much satisfied as his dream of creative engagement of students was coming true. He applauded the efforts of teachers and students alike who made the event a great success with their dedication, commitment and hard work.
He viewed that the fine arts play a vital role in the positive change in a society. The drama, poetry and prose refine the aesthetic taste of people, which ultimately put the socio-cultural behaviour of a society on the moderate path of life. He assured the students for his all out support with regard to their curricular and co-curricular activities.
The performance made by the amateur actors was indeed a promising sign as their foot work, body language and style of dialogue delivery spoke their ability to handle the characters assigned to them with artistic care and obligation.
The stage play was followed by the recitation of mystic poetry created by the saints of the land. It was imbibed in the cherished values of love, peace, fraternity and co-existence. It is generally understood that such teachings are of utmost importance in the wake of degenerating process witnessed in our socio-cultural ambience.
TABLEAU COMPETITION The Pakistan National Council of the Arts has been engaged in the promotion, projection and perpetuation of national culture and the arts since its inception in 1972. Besides other segments of arts, it also attaches special importance to kids and youth creative potentials.
The performing arts division of the council did well in nurturing the artistic skills of children and the youth alike. Eminent singer Hadiqa Kyani is also the product of children art workshop of the PNCA. Now with Touqir Naser, energetic director general the council has been working hard in hunting the new talent in various areas of creativity.
The tableau competition organised amongst the students of educational institutions stands distinctive in this regard. The topic selected for the competition was as 'Khudi Na Bech Garibi Main Naam Peda Ker'. A number of educational institutions from the twin cities participated with full preparation and enthusiasm.
The term 'Khudi', with the meanings of self-conscience, self-respect and self-dignity is treated as the principle icon of revolutionary poetry created by Iqbal. It is earnest for an individual to carry the virtue of 'Khudi' as beacon in his daily life. It teaches to be self-reliant and never bow to any greed, lust or corruption.
The philosophy of 'Khudi' rejects a socio-economic system attached with the practice of foreign loans and mortgage with the institutions like World Bank and IMF etc. With this perspective we could evaluate our present day worse socio-economic state of affairs. The theme of tableau competition must had offered an opportunity to teachers and students alike to ponder and evaluate the existing circumstances, which have engulfed the whole society.
The presentation of Fatima Jinnah Women University was wonderful on account of its well written script, direction, production and of course acting by the student artists. The tableau discussed the main theme of 'Khudi' in the perspective of knowledge and its impact on the society. Tableau presented by Ali Trust College revolved around the earning of sustenance through dignified means. It highlighted the agonies of poverty and its ultimate consequences on the society as a whole.
As per the judgement FJWU stood first, Ali Trust College bagged second position while students of Choudhry Rehmat Ali School and Brightland School took third and fourth position respectively. Touqir Naser, DG and an eminent artist in his own right was satisfied over the performance by the students.
He viewed that such creative activities infuse confidence amongst the young generation, which ultimately help in playing a successful role in the society. He assured all out support of the council with regard to the grooming of the new generation through art and cultural activities in the country. The students, teachers and parents appreciated the role of PNCA as it always offers opportunities to impart skills and knowledge about art and culture to the new generation.