The art lovers would witness history in the making at Mohatta Palace Museum here on November 1. On that date, the work of more than 40 emerging and established Pakistani artists will go on display in a magnificent exhibition. The 'Rising Tide': new directions in art from Pakistan 1990-2010 curetted by Karachi-based artist Naiza H. Khan. The exhibition will continue until February 28, 2011.
The main theme of the exhibition is urbanisation and life in Pakistan seen through the eyes of the artists as they deal with the issues of modernity, social change, identity, spirituality, war and terrorism. In addition to the traditional genres of drawing, painting, sculpture, print making and photography, installations based on video works and new media will also be on show.
A full colour catalogue of over 200 pages and 100 colour illustrations, including contributions by Arif Hasan, Durriya Kazi, Salima Hsahmi, Hammad Nasar, Quddus Mirza and Mohammad Hanif, will accompany this exhibition.
Hailing from different parts of Pakistan, the artists will share the unique perspectives and interpretations of urbanisation through their works. Some special features include: Rashid Rana's 'Desperately seeking paradise' that was recently featured in the Musee Guimet in Paris. Also included are photographs graffiti by the late Asim Butt from his travels in Pakistan in 2009. Amongst some of the many unique works are Nausheen Saeed's 'Baked delicacies,' which are sculptural forms of the human body made entirely from baked bread.
Museum timings will be: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm from Tuesday through Friday, and from 12 noon to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Students are welcome free of entry cost. Bookings for large groups are advisable through the museum office, phone number (Karachi) 35837669.