ISLAMABAD: A solo exhibition featuring paintings made by Mohammad Javed followed by a book launch covering the artist’s life and work was organised at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Tuesday.

The title of the book is Mohammad Javed - A Versatile Artist. The exhibition was inaugurated by Fareena Mazhar, secretary of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, at the National Art Gallery.

Mohammad Javed was known as the pioneer and one of the most senior artists in Pakistan with a unique technique, style and versatility. He has been practicing since his graduation from National College of Arts (NCA) in 1962 and has a number of solo shows to his credit, nationally and internationally.

Organisers of the show maintained that Mohammad Javed created his own idiom and not only painted urban heritage but delineated socio-economic, cultural and political issues.

He carried out innovative artwork to document an artistic travelogue of different countries and explored new dimensions in modern calligraphic paintings.

Mohammad Javed was also an acclaimed writer and well-known for his valuable contribution towards promoting art.

The guest speakers included Dr Ajaz Anwar, a celebrated water colorist, art educationist, historian and conservationist, who has over the years, depicted the rich culture and essence of old Lahore through his paintings, Dr Shaukat Mehmood who was editor of the book and a known personality in the field of arts. Dr Arjumand Faisal, owner of Gallery 6, Dr Mamoona Khan, head of the Fine Art department of Fatima Jinnah University and Shabnam Abbasi, author of the book, had an interesting discussion with the artist himself who was present as one of the panelists.

The book revolves around the artist’s life and work and was published in 2021.

“It is a great opportunity for PNCA to pay tribute to a living legend,” said director general of PNCA Ayub Jamali. The show was attended by artists, students, notables, government officials and journalists. A large number of students visited the show and interviewed the artist about his techniques and art practice.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2023