LAHORE: A calligraphy exhibition by a Karachi-based painter Riaz Rafi depicting politics, social issues and Islamic culture was the focus of many art fanciers at the Hamail Art Gallery, MM Alam Road, on Tuesday.

It was inaugurated by Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar.

Besides being a painter, Riaz Rafi is also a poet, Kathak dancer and social worker. The exhibition is the first solo by him in Lahore.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said Rafi’s paintings were of international standard and represented the rich Islamic culture. He said such exhibitions should be held frequently to promote art.

“I have done masters in journalism that’s why the approach in my paintings carries both political and social aspects,” Rafi told Dawn. He said understanding of both performing and fine arts made a fine blend that could lead to thought-provoking art.

“I learnt Kathak dance from Nighat Chauhdry but for only as a hobby,” he said, adding that the idea of learning dance came to his mind while doing a project on red light area.

“I wanted to know and paint the culture of that area in its true spirit,” he added.

Forty-one artworks are on display in the exhibition. One of the paintings is based on the killing of former Libyan President Qadhafi while another is reflective of Abbas Town incident in Karachi. The paintings focus political motivation and overall situation of the society through modern calligraphy.

Classical dancer Nighat Chauhdry, Wahab Shah, calligraphers, painters and art fanciers were present.

The exhibition will remain open until March 17.