ISLAMABAD: After a gap of almost two years, Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Wednesday launched an art exhibition,The New Odyssey, featuring works by artists from across the country.

Inaugurated by Secretary Asif Hyder Shah from the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, the opening ceremony was attended by artists, families and special guests.

Through the exhibition, the PNCA hopes to provide emerging artists with a chance to enter the art market on a regional scale. The show featured 93 paintings and installations made by 70 artists.

Mr Shah said that the event was like a breath of fresh air as the pandemic had restricted occurrence of such activities.

“The artist’s way of thinking is different and they look beyond what we see. The levels of their imagination are much enhanced,” the chief guest said while appreciating the young artists and the efforts made by the PNCA for them.

PNCA Director General Hassan Raza Saeed said this exhibition would provide an opportunity to Bachelor in Fine Art (BFA) graduates to showcase their work.

“This will not only broaden their vision about the art industry but also help them gain exposure towards the national art scene,” he added.

Top graduating students from different art universities of the country have exhibited their work at the show. PNCA is dedicated towards promoting Pakistani art on a local and national level. Its unique programmes present traditional and contemporary art practices, reflecting upon the excellence and cultural diversity of Pakistan and at same time support professional development of artists.

According to the organisers, the council promotes significant aspects of local culture that encourages community participation in gallery activities while also fostering curatorial practice. Participants were informed that the council had maintained a range of regionally focused visual art exhibitions featuring both nationally and internationally recognised artists.

Graduates from National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore and Rawalpindi, Beacon House National University (BNU), Punjab University, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS), University of Sindh Jamshoro, University of Peshawar, University of Balochistan and University of Karachi were participating.

The exhibition would remain open till Sept 23.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2021