KARACHI: On Friday morning, Italian artist Maurizio Boscheri’s exhibit on Pakistan’s endangered animals had some animated young visitors: students from the Deaf Reach School who marvelled at the glittery canvases that featured detailed images of under-threat species.

The artist himself engaged with the students and talked about his work, while teachers used sign language to communicate to the students who watched on eagerly.

Speaking with Dawn.com at the event, Boscheri, whose exhibition is the first solo show of a contemporary Italian artist in Pakistan, said he is a self-taught artist.

“I started painting when I was 42. So I have been painting for 20 years now as an artist.”He said he chose nature as a subject for his art work because he has always been interested in studying animals. “It has been my passion from an early age. I consider my work as a mission to create awareness about nature. I was very lucky to have been able to travel the world and I visited many countries.”

“After every travel I would bring back beautiful memories and a lot of feelings as to what is happening in various parts of the world about nature and how humans are destroying nature and threatening the existence of diverse animal species. So, I chose this work to defend nature through art and let people know about animal species which are in danger and can be extinct.”

He said his exhibition at Mohatta Palace was possible with the support and contribution of the Consul of Italy in Karachi Gianluca Rubagotti who proposed this idea to bring together Italy and Pakistan as to nature because it is a common heritage.

“I discovered that in Pakistan there are some beautiful and unique animal species like Western Tragopan, Houbara Bustard and many more. We were able to organize this exhibition thanks to the help of Mario Liberali, my curator for this exhibition and above all the role and participation of WWF Pakistan who helped me with the material, photos and scientific information about the animals of Pakistan.”

Photos by Aamir Baig