ISLAMABAD: Architecture and landscape painter G.N. Kazi gives new life to historical buildings when he puts them on canvas.

The Nomad Gallery at Saidpur village on Monday opened its doors to his new artwork titled: “A Heritage Preserved’ that shows the Karachi based artist commitment to old heritage. Some 20 small and large architectural paintings were put on display the price of which ranged between Rs15, 000 and Rs120, 000.

Finished in miniature level details, the artist took visitors through alleys and shrines painted in natural and indigenous tones such as grey and brown and some in monochromatic tones.

Attached with the Nomad gallery for several years now and with numerous solo and group exhibitions at home and abroad, G.N. Kazi has returned to Islamabad after two years.

After a four years diploma in fine arts from Karachi School of Arts, G.N. Kazi chose architecture as his point of interest to show its complexity as well as simplicity.

He paints with minimum colours and works in their tones to draw the attention of the viewers to the subject and tends to use earth tones and various shades of the night sky as a reflection and depiction of his soil.

“There are no boundaries as his subjects move from forts to palaces and havelis. The architecture is inspired by the traditional Mughal period and shrines of saints and Sufis,” said the director of the gallery, Nageen Hyat as she explained the serene, aesthetically pleasing and tranquil effects of the images.

Visiting the show, Sanaullah Atiq described the paintings deep and refreshing. “GN Kazi has depicted rare pictures and given them a new historical look,” he said.

“These are very attractive paitings. One would like to know the location of these places,” said Rehana Hasan, another visitor to the show.

Appreciating the efforts, Faizur Rehman, also found the show impressive.

The display also included some experimental works of GN Kazi which he is likely to try in future.

These works were as energetic and conveyed the same kind of movement. Dark colours and bold lines dominated the canvases in these works.

The show will continue till September 12.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2015

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