DERA ISMAIL KHAN: More than 50 young artists took part in an art and painting competition here on Wednesday that attracted art lovers in droves.

About 100 paintings were put on display in the competition organised by Iqbal Shahid Art Equity to motivate the beginners engaged in expressional and inspirational art.

Ajab Khan, a noted painter and organiser of the event, told this scribe that art pieces in different categories including calligraphy, oil painting, water colour and drawing by the local artist were displayed at the competition, which pulled a huge crowd.

Art lovers, painters, friends of artists and families continued to throng the century-old building of Islamia School, which remained open for visors from 4pm to 8pm.

Mohammad Mudassir, Qari Abdul Kareem Ghaffari and Najmus Saqib got first, second and third prize, respectively, in traditional calligraphy. Waqas Ahmad, Tahir Sandeela and Danish Khan stood first, second and third, respectively, in modern calligraphy.

Special prizes were given away to Arsh-i-Bareen, Minah Sultan, Neha Ramal and Shayan.

In water colour, Mohammad Sufyan, Shahood Ali Khan, Mohammad Numan received first, second and third prize, respectively, while Areesha Tariq and Ursal got special prizes in water colour medium work.

Besides budding artists, the artworks of seasoned painters like Ajab Khan, Ali Sajid, Farooq Sial, Resham Gul, Qayyum Qaisar, Haji Shareef, Shehroz, Arif Abbasi, Bilal Shah, Jamshed Mathew, Sain Asmat and Fareed Khan were also put on display.

Sanaullah Shamim, the provincial president of Progressive Writers Forum, was chief guest on the occasion. He congratulated the organisers for hosting a successful event.

The main theme of the exhibition was ‘the community around us’.

“Artists were invited to draw the concept of community and unity in their art pieces. The depiction of the theme by some artists was well developed and quite optimistic,” said Ali Sajid, a senior artist.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2022