RAWALPINDI, Aug 13: A group exhibition of young calligraphers from across the province kicked off here at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) with an aim to promote the contemporary art and calligraphers.Pakistan Baitul Mal Managing Director Zamurd Khan and PML-N MNA Tahira Aurangzeb inaugurated the exhibition while Amin Gul, Director General, Iran Culture Centre, Naheed Manzoor and Waqar Ahmed Resident Director RAC were also present on the occasion.

The exhibition displayed the works of 30 artists including Aftab Ahmed Khan, Elahi Bukhsh Matee, Ibn-e-Kaleem, Khwaja Mohammad Hussain, Imran Tahir, Azeem Iqbal and Bushra Habib while seven female calligraphers also participated in the exhibition.

More than 78 masterpieces of talented artists were put on display. Each artist produced breathtaking blends of calligraphic aesthetic and their own signature art techniques.

Moreover, they presented a very modern rendition using mixed mediums. They tried to give new styles of writing in modern calligraphy that was appreciated by the visitors Some artists also displayed some pieces of Naqshi. The art of Naqshi or illumination, closely related to calligraphy, has a long and illustrious history in Muslim arts. The artists amicably decorated the Quranic words in different colours and roses. No civilization in world offers such a rich and indigenous variety of sacred arts as Islam does.

While addressing the gathering, PBM Managing Director Zamurd Khan said that it was great to see so many artists under one roof. “It is refreshing to see such a mixture of new and seasoned artists and so many different techniques involved,” he said.

PML-N MNA Tahira Aurangzeb said that the exhibition illustrates the multitude of talents and capacity of artistic expression the people of Pakistan have. “It is with great emotions that the outburst of such expression comes to the light, in such a manner stating that creativity and imagination has no boundaries,” she added.

Amin Gul, Director General, Iran Culture Centre said that the doors of Iran Consulate is always open for calligraphers and assured for his cooperation.Naheed Manzoor said that the Council is thankful to all the artists for their participation in this unique exhibition. The exhibition is a great initiative to help promote Islamic arts, she further said.

A large number of people from different walks of life attended the exhibition and commended the initiative of the organizers for holding the event. The exhibit is a Ramazan special and will continue throughout the remaining days of the holy month.—A Reporter