ISLAMABAD, April 10: Artists can never be spectators to what is happening in society and the world, and must always voice their concerns over social, political and personal issues.

This was stated by renowned artist, sculptor and owner of Hunerkada Jamal Shah, who has initiated a protest campaign against the US-led war on Iraq by organizing a series of events involving students and artists from the federal capital and Lahore.

The protest campaign was started with an exhibition of cartoons made by journalist/cartoonist Vai ell during the Gulf war of 1991.

This exhibition opened on April 7 and would continue till 11th. These cartoons are as relevant today as they were more than a decade ago and tackle some of the important issues faced by the world.

An exhibition, titled War Against War, a collection of works of a group of “concerned artists choosing not to remain spectators in the theatre of aggression”, is being opened at Hunerkada on Friday.

The works on display will be a result of a 10-day artists workshop on Iraq dilemma. The exhibition is to be inaugurated by Human Rights Commission chairman Afrasiab Khattak at 11am, and will continue till April 21.

It will include paintings, installations, sculpture and even some performances by various artists and students regarding Iraq war.

Jamal Shah, talking to this reporter, expressed his deep concern over the political crisis faced by the world today. He said: “Artists are productive members of society who bring about change and transform people’s thinking. They are active observers, who analyze society and situations and play the role of productive critics.”

He said it was important for artists to participate in society to understand its contradictions so that they could comment on political troubles, social evils and personal struggles, and suggest a positive vision for future.

“Art brings about gradual changes, but its effects are more lasting than politics.” And, that is the purpose of this expression, he added. He has gathered people from Islamabad and Lahore who are deeply touched by the current situation and want to speak to the world through creative expression.

Mr Shah is constructing a huge metal cage which symbolizes America, with smaller cages inside, representing countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, America’s satellites.

Artists are constructing another metal installation of oil fields with American flags. A performance is being prepared around this space with the use of smoke and news recordings from various television channels like Fox and CNN.

Concerns brought forward by Vai ell’s cartoons are going to be echoed by contemporary artists in this exhibition. His witty and critical comments stating “Bush and Major have the operation and become desert fox twins” can be applied to the propaganda- feeding media today.

Like the rest of the world, the artists in Pakistan are making an active effort to voice their opinions and concerns about the Iraq war. They are making themselves heard by expressing their feelings. — Atiya Hasan