A solo show by K. Mehmood at Artscene Gallery captured the attention of art enthusiasts. The artist was born in Lahore and his city of birth and where he was raised is closely linked to his work. “Lahore is my life and my work and its soul. Historic walled city (Androon Lahore) its magnificent architecture, and dwindling facades is reminiscent of its glorious past.” The narrow streets, which intertwine and overlap, busy and bursting with life and activity, needed to be recorded and preserved before they completely disappear. The artist shares, “my work is a tribute to Lahore. I owe an enormous debt to the city that has nurtured my creativity, gave me opportunities and continues to stimulate my artistic journey. Lahore is not just a city, for me, its my muse.” Curator, Asim Shahzad Khan elaborates, “ His (K. Mehmood) day to day interaction with bustling streets made him

Sumbul Natalia The Artist Association of Punjab (AAP) put together a remarkable exhibition, earlier in May 2024, that showcased the works of 135 artists from across Pakistan, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expressions that go beyond the mainstream. This annual exhibition, being held consecutively for 36 years, stands as a testament to the association’s enduring commitment to promoting art and cultural heritage in the country. Since its inception in 1947, Pakistani artists have endeavored to carve out a unique cultural identity. The Lahore Art Circle, led by figures like Moyene Najmi, set the stage for a modernist art movement in Pakistan. This heritage was evident in the diversity of styles and themes presented in the exhibition, reflecting the evolution of Pakistani art from its modernist roots to contemporary practices. The AAP’s mission is to promote the arts, raise cultural awareness, and ensure the economic and social rights of artists.

Recently an interesting exhibition was held at Baily Gallery, Paris that juxtaposed the works of Henderson Cisz with Syed A Irfan. Henderson Cisz is widely regarded as a leading figure in urban-style art. His paintings serve as a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, embodying the essence of both classic aesthetics and contemporary interpretation. While rooted in a well-established genre, Cisz’s artworks exhibit a distinctiveness that firmly situates them within the context of the 21st century. With exhibitions spanning the globe, Cisz has garnered a substantial following among both individual and corporate collectors. His artistic prowess has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the John Solomon Trophy and the title of Artist of the Year in 2007. Additionally, Cisz has been the subject of two highly acclaimed art books. Born in Brazil in 1960, Henderson Cisz began honing his artistic skills during his teenage years. By the mid-1980s, he

Gallery 21 recently unveiled a captivating exhibition titled “Noor,” featuring the calligraphic talents of five artists: Shiblee Muneer, Rafiq Ullah, Qasim Bugti, Zubair Mughal, and Tariq Mehmood. In their contributions to the exhibition, each artist skillfully showcased their individual flair, spanning the spectrum from traditional techniques to innovative, modern approaches. Through their work, they demonstrated a mastery of diverse artistic styles and a keen ability to blend tradition with contemporary influences, creating a rich tapestry of visual expression that captivated the audience. Shiblee Muneer’s art delves into themes of culture and identity, serving as a catalyst for intellectual engagement and the questioning of preconceived notions. Through his visual representations, Muneer prompts viewers to embark on a journey of decoding the nuanced layers of his artwork, inviting them to explore the complexities of shared identity. By doing so, he fosters a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and encourages dialogue surrounding the

A group exhibition of celebrated artists recently unfolded at O Art Space Gallery including the works of Ali Azmat, Ghulam Muhammad, Hussain Jameel, Muhammad Zeeshan, Meher Afroz, Mudassar Manzoor, Mughees Riaz, Naveed Sadiq, RM Naeem, Sadaf Naeem, Sana Arjumand, Shiblee Muneer, Waseem Ahmed, Zhao Yingming. In this exhibition, the profound connection between art and religious belief was showcased, where creativity was transformed into a powerful vessel, highlighting the enduring conversations engaged in by artists throughout history. This unique perspective brought to this dialogue by each artist is recognized as a motif of contemporary interpretations. As an artist whose work resonates with the exploration of faith and spirituality, “Conversations” was considered a distinctive voice to the collective creative narrative. The calligraphy work shown depicted a delicate dance of ink upon paper. Within the confined space, intricate patterns emerged, revealing a mastery of both form and composition. Every curve and loop has

A group exhibition was recently unveiled at VM Art Gallery titled Rangon Ki Lehr, Volume II. The exhibition showcases artworks by individuals with Down syndrome aged 11 and above affiliated with KDSP. It includes a collection of 65 paintings and 18 photographs, each reflecting the artist’s exuberant and uninhibited creativity. “Rangon ki Lehr” served as a platform for conveying a narrative rich in themes of unwavering resilience, boundless creativity, and vivid imagination. Through the diverse range of artworks on display, viewers were invited to immerse themselves in a journey that celebrates the indomitable human spirit, the endless possibilities of artistic expression, and the power of imagination to transcend boundaries. Each piece within the exhibition contributes to this overarching narrative, weaving together a tapestry of stories, emotions, and perspectives that resonate deeply with audiences. In its true sense, “Rangon ki Lehr” encapsulates the essence of resilience, creativity, and imagination, inspiring viewers

A solo exhibit by artist Sherzada Khalid Iqbal recently opened at PNCA, National Art Gallery, Islamabad. Iqbal’s artworks are characterized by their bold, vibrant colors and dynamic movements, conveying a sense of explosive energy. He employs layers of liquid enamel to create a fluid surface that seems to continuously shift, with colors arranged in intricate patterns. Without relying on brushes, he utilizes his hands to craft original pieces, drawing directly from his stream of consciousness. He staunchly avoids aligning himself with any particular artistic school of thought, preferring to leave the interpretation of his paintings entirely up to the viewer’s thought process. The abstract narration of his work uses fiery hues that dominate the canvas, igniting the viewer’s senses with warmth and intensity. The tendrils of red interplaying with rust, yellow and orange create a mesmerizing display of light and colour. Swirls of blue intertwine with bursts of fiery red,

The Other Side of Silence is an exhibit by Waseem Ahmad and Maaria Waseem, held recently at Ocean Art Gallery. The show curated by Tanya Suhail presented myriad perspectives capturing the essence of reality, rich with history, stories, and the interplay of past and present that shape our lives today. Waseem Ahmad’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Miniature Painting, a centuries-old art form that has evolved overtime. Trained in this intricate technique, Ahmad has not merely adopted it as his medium of expression but has truly made it his language. Through his skilful brushwork and meticulous attention to detail, he has crafted a unique narrative that resonates with audiences. Ahmad’s artistic prowess goes beyond mere technical proficiency; it reflects a profound understanding of the medium and its historical significance. His artwork showcases a fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary themes, creating a captivating visual dialogue