Daily Times

As many as 138 artwork pieces of 46 young artists were showcased for art lovers in Shakir Ali Museum on the occasion of an event titled ‘Artist Practice Program’, organised by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Shakir Ali Museum on Wednesday.

Renowned portrait painter Saeed Akhtar inaugurated the exhibition. On the occasion, renowned cartoonist Jawed Iqbal, Bashir Ahmed, Rahat Naveed Masood, Tania Sohail and other artists were present. A large number of art lovers and art students from different walks of life thronged to the gallery and appreciated the efforts of the young artists in showcasing the artwork.

At least three artworks of each artist were showcased who produced their artworks during four sessions of Artist Practice Program which was started last year in April. 10-15 emerging artists from all over Pakistan were shortlisted in each session of APP. Most of them were recent graduates of NCA, PUCAD, LCWU and other art universities.

Every session continues for three months, conducted by Hira Siddiqui under the supervision of Anna Pataudi in which artists were supposed to come daily for 4-5 hours to produce their artwork at Shakir Ali Museum.

Saeed Akhtar said that an artist’s learning process never ends and that he only stops improving when he begins to consider himself superior to others. He said that the learning process for an artist starts as soon as he completes his degree. He has appreciated the artwork of the artists which hung on the wall in the gallery.

PNCA Director Visual Arts Amna Pataudi said that the idea and brainstorming to initiate and execute the amazing possibility happened due to the encouragement and support of DG PNCA Jamal Shah. She said that we encouraged individual artist practice. “Other than that, we provided artists all opportunities to display their work for regional and national exhibitions both in Lahore and Islamabad, PNCA. During one year span, they also participated in all exhibitions conducted by Artist Association of Punjab and Alhamra Art Council.”

PNCA took this step to promote contemporary Art Practice Program to give emerging artists an opportunity to excel and encourage them in their art practices. PNCA provided them space where they can interact with different artists who have acclaimed fame internationally in different medium of arts as well. Selected artists were benefited from the platform used by the art icon Prof Shakir Ali.

Senior artists, mentors and art critics were present in the art critique session who has been a great help for students throughout all sessions. They came up with brilliant suggestions and directions for each artist’s work individually. They encouraged young emerging artists by giving each artist proper direction and lot of thought-provoking ideas. They suggested them with different art ideas. They also recommend visiting art studio.

The concluding ceremony will be held on April 28.

Published in Daily Times, April 27^th 2018.