RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) is hosting a 10-day exhibition of paintings by renowned artist Ghulam Mustafa, who is also a recipient of the Pride of Performance.

The exhibition titled ‘Landscapes of Pakistan’ was inaugurated on Monday by the Ambassador of Japan Takashi Kurai and was attended by residents of the twin cities.

The paintings depicted the natural beauty of Pakistan as well as various historical buildings and paintings of Lahore remained particulary popular during the event.

Some of the paintings also contained the natural beauty of Japan.

In his paintings of the old Lahore city, the artist has captured the shifting lights and shadows, the textures of the walls and the streets brilliantly and has depicted everyday life in the city.

Ghulam Mustafa has made a name in landscape painting and belongs to a distinguished group of landscape painters in Lahore.

He has 40 years of experience in art and culture and has put on several exhibitions in US, China, Japan, UK, Dubai, Kuwait and India among other places and was awarded with the President’s Pride of Performance in 2002.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kurai said it was an honour for him to inaugurate the exhibition and that the artist’s works were widely recognised.

“Most of you must also have noticed some eye-catching landscapes from Japan as well. The Japanese government invited the artist to Japan for a visit in 2009 and during that visit, the artist closely observed the nature and landscapes of Japan. And those observations can be seen in the exhibition here,” he said.

“I was told that Mr Mustafa had held more than 21 solo exhibitions in Pakistan and other countries, including Japan. I must appreciate the creative genius of the artist which has very soothing effects for the viewers. I was also informed that his works are displayed in many prominent places such as Prime Minister’s office in Islamabad and the chief minster’s office in Lahore”, he said.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said Ghulam Mustafa has served for 40 years in the Punjab Council of Arts and that it was an honour for the RAC to host a solo exhibition for the artist.

The exhibition will continue till Feb 28.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2018