ISLAMABAD, Aug 5: The National Art Gallery (NAG) is set to host the country’s biggest exhibition of art as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Featuring all of Pakistan’s top artists, this grand show will soon be inaugurated by President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Jamal Shah, executive director of visual arts at the Gallery, was all fervent discussing with Dawn the prospects of the forthcoming event: “The size of the exhibition is amazing and the collection of art works exceptionally creative. It is going to change the way people will perceive art in the region. It will elevate artists to a new level.”

All the 14 galleries were ready including the three dedicated to the masters — Chughtai, Sadequain and Ustad Allah Bakhsh.

Jamal Shah stood his ground against those who objected to the delaying of the opening of the Gallery until the president was available for the ceremony. He said it was important as the “President had been the man behind this great national achievement. He made this dream come true. It should be his privilege to open the gallery.”

He said it was unfortunate that the situation in the country made it inconvenient for the president to open the gallery. “But it isn’t going to be long when artists will celebrate for the space they needed and have waited for years,” Mr Shah said.

Discussing the many controversies surrounding the Gallery, Mr Shah maintained there were no structural flaws in the building. The seepage problem due to some of the windows had caused no damage to the works of art stored there. New buildings suffer from moisture retention in the walls but it could be taken care of after the inauguration.

Shah assured that all works of art were safe, insured and in good care. However some of the art pieces that were meant for display in the open were affected by the recent rains, he said adding, “but then artists want the best spots to exhibit their works. And the decision to place them outside or in the corridors of the gallery rested with the artists and the curators. They are fully aware of the risks in such conditions.”

The National Art Gallery when opened is expected to house the best that is there in the collection of contemporary art. The gallery represents both emerging and established national painters and sculptors. The display that presents an entire panorama of the national art scene in its historical perspective explores great themes such as spirituality, human destiny and nature besides trends in the genres of figurative, expressionist and abstract traditions.