RAWALPINDI: A total of 76 new artists have contributed more than 160 pieces to a three-day group exhibition that opened at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Sunday.

The exhibition was held to showcase the work of new artists and organised by the RAC and the Knowledge Arts Academy.

It was inaugurated by Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, and attended by a number of twin cities residents as well as artists and fine art teachers from universities and postgraduate colleges.

All the contributing artists used oil paints as their medium in various styles, including landscape, figurative art, abstract, calligraphy and modern art. Some paintings focused on the societies of people living in mountain areas, while others were more interested in historical sites.

Tanveer Hussain, a visitor, said the artists’ works were well done and easy to understand, adding that the artists had tried to explore new things in their work.

“It is good to visit the art gallery to see the work of the new talent of the country. Organisations have to provide platforms to new artists to express their talents,” Fizza Alamgir, who travelled from Islamabad to visit the exhibition, said.

Fine arts student Muniza Haider said she was inspired by the work of the artists, particularly their use of vibrant colours where necessary.

She added that many landscape pieces featured colours from nature, such as green, in various shades, which highlighted the skill of the artists and the teachers who guide them.

Addressing the inauguration, Mr Chohan said 6,000 artists from all over Punjab will receive health cards worth Rs400,000 based on merit. Expenses of up to Rs400,000 incurred in case of illness affecting the artist or the artist’s family will be borne by the government through the card.

He added that the Voice of Punjab competition will also start in February, with four stations in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Lahore, in which 20 singers will be selected from each station and the final competition will be held in Lahore.

He added that the government will launch revolutionary programmes to benefit artists and the general community, under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and the leadership of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said the arts council has always provided young artists a platform. He said the work of the new artists was an example that there is no shortage of talent, but people need to be patronised.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2019