RAWALPINDI: Group painting exhibition, titled ‘Symphony of Soul’, which opened at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Tuesday, is a window into the soul of womanhood.

The exhibition has been jointly organised by the RAC and Development Communications Network in connection with the International Women Day on March 8.

It features works by 14 artists, both men and women. Renowned artist Tasneem Abbas accompanied by RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed and Executive Director Development Communications Network Munir Ahmed inaugurated the exhibition.

Speaking at the opening, Tasneem Abbas urged senior artists to groom younger ones in producing more thematic works.

“It is time to do away with exhibitions only showcasing ornamental work,” she said.

She said women artists in Pakistan were producing work which was strong and bold.

“Through their work, they tell the stories of womanhood,” she said.

The exhibition features an oil on canvas painting by Nahida Raza, which reflects on the burdens carried by women in their lives. Talking about the piece, she said, women are forced to suppress their true identity in the name of so-called honour and social values.

Artist Farah Adnan said that societies which were more inclusive for women were more peaceful.

“My art is based on an imagined dialogue between women and those who run the affairs of the state,” she said.

Riffat Ara Baig said she had tried to explore the medium of etching on paper in her work featured in the exhibition.

The only male artist featured in the exhibition is Younis Roomi, from Shikarpur Sindh. He told Dawn his work expressed his feelings about injustices faced by women in the form of early marriages and traditions such as karokari.

Development Communications Network Executive Director Munir Ahmed appreciated the work featured in the exhibition. He said the RAC’s role in empowering young women to develop and display their skills is very encouraging.

“The RAC’s support would help mainstream women and promote gender sensitive development,” he said.

The RAC resident director, Waqar Ahmed, said that the RAC always provided a platform to artists, especially women artists, to showcase their work. He said empowered women were necessary for an empowered nation.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play