Contemporary Pakistani art comes to London

From October 29-December 8, Londoners will get to see a 'different face' of Pakistan than the negative portrayal that dominates the international media. To benefit CARE Pakistan, London's Asia House is hosting "Different Faces of Pakistan", an exhibition curated by Sasheen Abbasi that showcases the variety of contemporary Pakistani art, from landscapes and figurative works to Abstraction, Cubism, and graphic calligraphy. Works by Sadequain, Khusro Subzwari, Farrukh Shahab, Inam Raja, Dr Wasif Ali, and Tassaduq Sohail offer glimpses into Pakistani culture, society, and the evolution of its art scene. Abbasi has selected works that demonstrate the “creativity, courage and conviction of artists living through some of the most trying times the nation has witnessed over the past few decades”. As such, the show captures the real face of Pakistan. – Text by Huma Yusuf

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Multimedia

hassan

Oct 30, 2012 05:03am

It is just a presentation of art pieces without any hidden meaning. The human body is one of the most fascinating pieces of art, irrespective of where the artists come from. What scandalizes you is the chains of custom snaking around your mind. H

Recommend 0

Adnan

Oct 30, 2012 10:22am

Starting today, I wish to bycott DAWN! Shame on you DAWN!

Recommend 0

Naseer Qureshi

Oct 29, 2012 05:32pm

Is this form of art an open-mindedness or darkness? There is no room for promiscuous art like that in any form and manifestation in Pakisan or Islamic society. This is not Pakistan or Pakistani culture.

Recommend 0

gmLiberl

Oct 30, 2012 04:38am

Why it is that every time, on the name of liberalism, progress, broad minded etc. vulgarity is spread.... Shame

Recommend 0

Devi

Oct 29, 2012 08:42pm

I agree. I appreciate all kinds of art, and think that nude art can be a great form of expression. My problem is that it almost looks like the exhibitors have gone out of their way to shove it in people's faces. "Look, Pakistani artists draw nude women too. Look how progressive we are." There are so many very talented contemporary artists in Pakistan and some of them do indeed include nude figures in their works, but there are so many stunning pieces that focus on other things as well. It is great that Pakistani artists are getting a chance to showcase their work in London. I hope that next time, the selection of pieces is more representative of the Pakistani art community rather than what organizers and exhibitors think people would want to see.

Recommend 0

Badar

Oct 30, 2012 10:22am

These pictures has no relevance with Pakistani ART! The names mentioned in the Context are legends , Newspaper should be ashamed of posting such pictures above their names. I agree human figures are the best postures on canvas but please dont post them who have worked totally opposite to this form of Art. Their themes their work is totally different & you cant even use their names for such cheap popularity & rating races!

Recommend 0

Adnan

Oct 30, 2012 10:24am

Very true! Guys, we all need to speak against these profanity.

Recommend 0

aaa

Oct 29, 2012 12:16pm

I think chaos is the only thing that gives birth to beauty. People living in their set routine never long for something better or beautiful.

Recommend 0

Zaheer Ahmed

Oct 29, 2012 08:12pm

If, this is Pakistan's Art than kindly explain the difference b/w Pakistan's Art & Western's Art. As being a Pakistani you should prevail only true color of Pakistan and neither transform the Art into western style nor manipulated with sexual behavior.

Recommend 0

Razia

Oct 29, 2012 10:51pm

I don't understand. Are you saying something is wrong with these paintings? Or, are you shocked that with our cultural mores, we still managed to get such lovely work?

Recommend 0

Salman

Oct 29, 2012 09:07pm

I wish dawn hadn't posted these pictures , these are profane and vulgar

Recommend 0

Ali

Oct 29, 2012 12:13pm

The article implies that showing some nude pictures will remove the negative portrayal of Pakistan. I am not against art or nude arts in specific and am quite open minded but only thing I can say to this is "What a world we live in?"

Recommend 0

Huda

Oct 29, 2012 09:33am

its fascinating how a nation in turmoil and chaos gives birth to such expressions of beauty :)

Recommend 0

Syed A, Zafar USA

Oct 29, 2012 07:11pm

Shame on those who organize, support and paint nudity in the name of art. it is nothing but the complexes of liberal elites who spit on the face of our true culture, religion and nation. What makes nudity a beauty? Can you hang such pictures in your own drawing rooms and discuss nudity with your kids? That is why religious extremism/fanaticism is on the rise. zafarsyed40@yahoo.com

Recommend 0

Masud Khan

Oct 29, 2012 08:19pm

Seems to me Pakistan is trying hard for an image make over and while the paintings are great, the whole idea and approach is quite silly.

Recommend 0

Yousuf

Oct 29, 2012 10:36pm

I am shocked to see such pictures in a Pakistani newspaper site. Could you please remove these pictures from Pakistani newspaper site as this does not at all reflect the Pakistani art and its culture. These are shameless pictures which is contrary to Pakistani or sub-continent culture. A decency should be maintained at every level.

Recommend 0

Abid

Oct 29, 2012 03:50pm

Its really a strange kind of art. I don't think it matches with our culture. Its just showing nudity to get attention.

Recommend 0

manghirmalani

Oct 29, 2012 09:16am

Excellent

Recommend 0

Musalman

Oct 29, 2012 04:25pm

shameful

Recommend 0

Zymaidar

Oct 29, 2012 08:14pm

Well brother, it a new trend. Showing off your body is the new liberalism. Unfortunately, we only compete in the nudity with the west, but tend to forget what westerners are achieving in other fields.

Recommend 0

Zymaidar

Oct 30, 2012 02:21pm

I wish this painter doctor wasif ali had studied what he first chose to study. I have been living in North America since 1993 and never came across a doctor who painted for professional earnings! They generally dont have time beside upgrading their skills and looking after their jobs/patients. It gives an idea what our medical schools are churning out. I also wish that possibility of cheating during examinations be eliminated, otherwise time is near when we will see doctors doing fashion designing and cat walking.

Recommend 0

khan

Oct 30, 2012 02:31am

Great! all the art is revolving around nude women only... is this really art? or is there a something missing in life that came on canvas. This is not an art in Pakistani culture.

Recommend 0

Razia

Oct 30, 2012 02:56pm

goodbye

Recommend 0

Hasan

Oct 29, 2012 06:39pm

Happy moment for those who want to see Pakistan and the purpose it was created to go down the drain. Sad moment for those who beleive that the creation of Pakistan had a purpose, to live a morally responsible life as ordained by our Creator. Hasan (USA)

Recommend 0

Ghayyas

Oct 30, 2012 03:14am

Is it art or pornography? Who says this is the real face of Pakistan? On one extreme are the Talibans, on other extreme are artists like these.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.