Born in Mirpurkhas in 1968, R.M. Naeem is a distinguished name in the world of art. A 1993 graduate of Lahore’s National College of Arts (NCA) with a distinction in fine arts, he’s been part of the permanent faculty of his alma mater since a year after he graduated. In 2019, he was recognised as the Associate of NCA. Over the last 26 years, Naeem has held 18 solo shows in Pakistan as well as abroad and curated several shows featuring local and international artists. Moreover, his work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in numerous eminent group shows.

In this tête-à-tête with Dawn, among other issues the renowned artist sheds light on the various aspects of visual arts in Pakistan, the prevalent trends and how important is the government’s role in promoting visual arts, the status of art education in the country and how much government institutions and private visual arts academies are contributing to producing the best artists.

Talking about the status of art education in the country, Mr Naeem explained that “unfortunately we try to just replicate the syllabus, whereas education grows from its roots”. To help the system in its real sense it is predominantly important to have experienced teachers on board. “Degrees are indeed important but they just can’t be compared with first-hand experience,” he elaborated.

Commenting on the contribution of R.M. Studio as a private educational institute to the promotion of art, he said it was a counselling space for upcoming artists. “We do two projects a year. Young artists who have a passion for art are trained here and we have frequent residency programmes as well.”

Veteran artist R.M. Naeem stresses govt’s role crucial, wants curation to be taught in art institutes

Elaborating on the concept of art residencies in Pakistan, Naeem said that he started the residency programme in 2008 after himself having participated in 17 art camps and residencies abroad throughout his illustrious career. He said artist-run residencies help budding artists in numerous ways.

In 2015, he was selected by the Chinese embassy to experience the art and culture of China as well as represent and promote Pakistani art and art education in six cities of the neighbouring country. He added that he’s also represented Pakistan at the ‘New Pathways: Contemporary Art from Pakistan’ group exhibition curated by Tanzara Art Gallery and organised at the UN by the Pakistan embassy.

Naeem is of the view that the corporate sector and the government should both come forward for the promotion of visual arts. “We don’t have any reserved buildings except a few art galleries for display. A national exhibition featuring artists from all over the country should be held every year and a board of veteran and qualified artists be formed by the government to hold these national exhibitions. Similarly, provincial exhibitions should also be held under various government-formed boards to rope in artists not only from cities, but from towns and small cities as well,” he added.

When asked how to make visual arts popular among the public, Naeem said besides the artist fraternity, the role of the government is extremely important and it can only be done through more and more exhibitions to generate the interest of the common people. For this, one needs more art galleries. The divisional arts councils can play this role more effectively, but it needs passion.

Naeem further said that teaching curation of art exhibitions as a subject in art institutes is extremely important. “It lessens the workload of an artist when one displays one’s works. And it also helps an artist in putting up a better display.”

He also believes that commercial art and art for art’s sake are both contributing to the promotion of the skill. The young and old generations of artists have a huge contribution to the promotion of art in the country as both are picking up socio-political economic issues for their works.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2021