Daily Times

KARACHI: An exhibition of wooden sculptures, unique of its kind, aimed to catch Chief Minister Sindh’s attention is sitting outside KarachiPress Club.

Fine pieces of artist Khushal Maharaj, who belongs to Umerkot’s Pithoro town, are installed for the last one week for outdoor display.

The artist has transformed Diyar Wood in to master sculptures melding powerful display of art, landscape and architecture especially Tharparkar desert life.

The ongoing road exhibition is also showcasing collection of artworks of different national and international personalities including founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Lady Diana, former president of United States of America Bill Clinton.

“This is a unique art. Nobody can craft wood in such a manner.” artist claims.

Artist has showcased a placard inscribed with the desire to meet with CM Sindh at his display.

“This exhibition is aimed for the sole purpose of catch Chief Minister Sindh’s attention. I want to show him my pieces,” Khushal told Daily Times.

“Government can help me in establishing a museum. It will not only highlight the unique art but also get tourists attraction,” he opined.

According to Khushal, he has around 250 wooden sculptures which he has been making for last forty years.

But the exhibition is free and open to all. For example the sight of peafowl encourages the passerby to stick their eyes for a moment and praise the art in that way. Else King Victoria Baggi, coastal belt of Sindh with Titanic ship also berthed aside also catches the eye.

According to the artist, this activity is ‘labor of love, not for sale” though his love for art costs him hefty most of the time. The sculpture of Benazir was made after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

“I made this piece in two years. Since the wood is expansive so one can expect the high cost. But again this is my passion,” he added.

Another sculpture depicting Umar Marvi folktale is also center of attention.

A six-foot tall sculpture of a girl from Tharparkar’s Nagarparkar, wearing red traditional outfit portraying simple rural environment with village life is also on display.