MINGORA: A 3D art and painting exhibition was held in Makan Bagh area here attracting hundreds of people.

The three-day event titled ‘3D Art Illusion’ was organised by the Al-Qalam Arts Council to promote 3D art technique and revive the dying painting profession in Swat valley.

On the third and concluding day of the exhibition, students of various schools showed up in large numbers and appreciated the 3D murals painted on the walls of an old building.

The organisers briefed them on 3D art skills and techniques.

Zafar Ali said the 3D art and painting was very common in the world and so, the organisers wanted to introduce it in Swat.

“Initially, we drew a couple of paintings but when we saw the people’s immense interest, we increased the number of paintings and decided to launch it as an exhibition. I am glad that the people come here in large numbers and like the art,” he told Dawn.

The organiser said he engaged the painters and artists for the exhibition, who had lost jobs after digital images and penaflex technology entered the market.

Another organiser, Waqar Ahmad Manezai, said the government should hire jobless painters and artists in the beautification project.

“These artists will not only draw some beautiful art paintings along the roads and streets but will also earn livelihood for their families,” he said.

The painters and artists involved in the 3D painting exhibition said after the advent of digital images and panaflex printing, they lost their jobs.

“We used to earn enough money with our handmade sign boards, billboards and hoardings but after the digital images and panaflex technology came to the market we became jobless,” said handmade painting artist Asghar Khan, who has been connected with the profession for 35 years but currently works as a labour.

The visitors posed for pictures with 3D images and took selfies with them.

“I am an art lover and when I came to know that local artists launched the 3D painting exhibition, I came here with my children to see paintings,” said Taleman Khan of Landikas area.

The artists also taught 3D skills and techniques to students.

Student of SPS School and College Abubakar said he loved paintings and was pleased to learn 3D techniques in the exhibition.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2018