RAWALPINDI: A six-day calligraphy exhibition featuring the work of various artists opened at the Punjab Council of the Arts Rawalpindi on Saturday.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Pride of Performance recipient Shafiquz Zaman Khan, calligrapher at Masjid-i-Nabvi in Madina.

Exhibiting artists include Elahi Bux Mattee, Shabir Ahmed Zia, Mohammad Azeem Iqbal, Mohammad Shakil Tabassum, Shahnawaz Ansari and Farkhanda. The show featured traditional and contemporary styles of calligraphy.

Mr Mattee is a Pride of Performance recipient whose work is displayed on the facade of Parliament House. Mr Iqbal has been associated with traditional calligraphy for 30 years, as has Mr Zia, who is proficient in Khat-i-Thulq and is from the Ibn-i-Kaleem family.

The work of the exhibited artists was simple but attractive. They used vibrant colours to inscribe Islamic names and Quranic verses.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Khan said calligraphy is a centuries old Islamic tradition transmitted from generation to generation.

“Over centuries, numerous styles of script have come to be associated with Arabic. Yet, the form of writing remains the same in all of these varied styles,” he said.

He praised the work of established artists, adding that students show follow their lines and use of colour. He also praised the council for giving artists and young people a platform to showcase their work.

“The exhibition is an attempt to keep the tradition of calligraphic art alive and to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the calligraphers who are continually practicing this art form and in turn, imparting the sensibility and sensitivity of the art form,” council director Waqar Ahmed said.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2019