An exhibition of photographs based on a research project titled ‘Dastak’ by Amna Arif, a graduate of Punjab University College of Art and Design on Lahore’s old wooden doors and heritage, attracted a large number of historians and nostalgic souls to Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall recently.

“It’s my research project. Lahore’s ages-old architecture and heritage always worked as a magnetic force for me,” the artist told Dawn.

Elaborating her project’s theme, Amna said the city has several old wooden doors with detailed wood work, geometrical and floral work that described the aesthetic beauty of their designers. The concept behind this photograph exhibition was to preserve these doors in line with contemporary trends. However, remorsefully, there hasn’t been any extraordinary care of these doors, she added.

Through her camera the photographer captured wooden doors and havelis located in the Walled City which depicted varied traditions and cultures in periods before and after Partition.

“My exhibition based on my research project is kind of a knock on these doors. It is an effort that leads to a request to the custodians of heritage that the grandeur of these doors should be revived since many of them are not in good condition,” she added.

The exhibition provided visitors with an archival value of the artworks on display featuring historical and heritage markings. For Amna, public art brings variety, energy and space to society.

Sufi music has gained a lot of popularity among the young generation. This particular genre is so well-received by masses that even arts councils have started holding music nights regularly. One such Sufi night was organised at Alhamra Art Centre on Thursday featuring some prominent Sufi singers such as Sain Zahoor and Sanam Marvi.

Being a non-ticketed event, the hall was jam-packed; people were found sitting even on the stairs. The evening was opened by a dhol performance by a local performer. Sain Zahoor was welcomed on stage with a thunderous applause. His first rendition Aukhay Nay Painday Lamian Nay Rahwan Ishq Diyan made the listeners sway to the tunes. He also sang Baba Bulleh Shah’s kalam such as Ni Mein Kamli Yar Di Kamli and Parh Parh Ilm Kitaban.

Maham Sohail was the next singer -- a relatively new voice in the domain of Sufi music. She possesses, what they call, a voice from the desert. She sang Bhagat Kabir’s poetry really well.

Sanam Marvi not only captivated the audience by singing Sufi poetry but also made the audience dance in frenzy when she performed a dhamal.

The Punjab Council of Arts will hold a storytelling event on Nov 6 at Open Air Theatre Bagh-i-Jinnah in collaboration with Olomopolo Media. Three story-tellers from Karachi Fawad Khan, Nazarul Hassan and Syed Meesam Naqvi will be participating in the event.

The council will also host a play at Punjab Hall, Open Air Theatre by a theatre group from Faisalabad.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2016