KARACHI: Lifetime achievement awards were given to seasoned artists Mashkoor Raza, Adil Salahuddin and Meher Afroz at the Nigaah Art Awards 2024 on Saturday evening held at the Mohatta Palace Museum.

Speaking on the occasion, the editor and publisher of Nigaah Magazine, Tauqeer Muhajir said, “It gives great pleasure to Nigaah to recognise work of both emerging and established artists. All artists [who won on Saturday] have demonstrated their creativity, skill and originality. They enrich our lives with their insights and perspectives. We use this platform for not only recognition of artistic excellence but as modest gesture of social responsibility. We conduct an art auction through which we support the underprivileged children [for them] to pursue a degree in the arts.”

Caretaker Information Minister and Arts Council president Ahmed Shah was the chief guest on the occasion.

Nigaah Art Awards 2024 held

He said, “I stand before you not only as the president of the Arts Council but as a great supporter and activist of art and culture. Art in all forms serve as the mirror reflecting the essence of our society, capturing the myriad of emotions and perspectives that define us. It is through art that we communicate across generations, fostering a shared sense of identity. Our artists are the custodians of our cultural heritage, preserving the stories and traditions that make us who we are.

“As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is imperative that we recognise the symbolic relationship between the corporate sector and the arts. In a world that is increasingly becoming interconnected, the need to protect and promote Pakistani art has never been more crucial. Our artists are creators and ambassadors of our culture,” he added.

In between the speeches, awards were handed out, a discussion between Nasira Zuberi and Ahmed Shah took place, paintings were auctioned and Farrukh Shahab made a painting as the music played on. In the end, Anwar Shaoor recited his poetry.

The following artists received the awards: Naqsh Raj (abstract), Naveed Sadiq (miniature), Karim Ahmed Khan (landscape), Ahsan Memon (portrait), Sana Arjumand (figurative), Ali Hammad (still life), Haider Ali Naqvi (drawing), Suleman Faisal (3D sculptural work), Nurayah Sheikh Nabi (printmaking), Maazin Kamal (photography), Rashid Arshad (calligraphy), Amna Pataudi (curatorial work), Amra Ali (critic), Amber Arifeen (emerging artist, female), Kishwar Kiani (emerging artist, female), Jawad Ahmed Jan (emerging artist, male) and Hamza Qazi (emerging artist, male).

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2024