Daily Times

An exhibition of artworks curated by Mahaa Ashraf titled Stories II opened at Shakir Ali Museum on Thursday.

The event organized and curated by the national history and literary heritage division and Mahaa Ashraf. It was inaugurated by the honourable Naeem Ali Tahir.

The art residency exhibition theme was to produce 4-5 artworks each artist. The concept of this exhibition was to highlight the stories of positivity and journey of artist through their artworks. This exhibition featured more than 18 talented artists.

The featured artists’ names were Asfandyar Aslam, Irum Rahat, Kainaat Hyder, Kiran Khalid, Kashaf Duja, Maham Ali Malik, Mahnoor Khalid, Munaza Mustafa, Nabita Zafar, Nida Hasan, Reena Khalid, Rida Basit, Rabia Dar, Shoabana Rathore, Sadaf Farasat, Wajiha Hassan, Zarish Waheed and Zoha Zafar.

While, Irum is recent NCA graduated and she said these paintings immortalize various spaces I have very strong associations with. These are domestic spaces that represent particular personalities without the need of a figurative presence. Therefore, human absence does not disengage the relevance that these memories have for me triggering a very strong sense of nostalgia. Primarily, my concern remains the act of painting itself. Through the language of colour and the application of paint, I have created a relationship with my work that allows me to reminisce and revisit these spaces and representational elements, that have left an intimate imprint on my personhood.

Irum is a recent NCA graduate. She said these paintings immortalise various spaces ‘I have a very strong association with. These are domestic spaces that represent particular personalities without the need of a figurative presence. Therefore, human absence does not disengage the relevance that these memories have for me triggering a very strong sense of nostalgia’

Furthermore, Reena Khalid said the pigeon which I painted is a beautiful bird, of a delicate charcoal colour, tinged with green and purple about the neck, and the wings marked with purple. I compare its use of the ancient times with the same spirit while sending messages and being the Royal Carrier Pigeon. Similarly, Kainat Hyder, Hyderabad based visual artist. Chose photography as my medium. as I have always been fascinated by the old architecture and doors and created different visuals through those photographs. it’s a personal expression of extracting eternal memories through different objects from the ephemeral spans of life. The work shows the ultimate time which might be ordinary but special for those whom they belong to as in archive of memories, which may describe different connectivity which varies person to person 24 living documentaries. All artist was appreciated by the art lovers and visitors.

Furthermore, another amazing artist Zoha said that my work is based on memories, the things I grew up with, I like to create something with which every. individual can relate to and I believe a person can connect themselves via the objects that are commonly used in everyday life and everyone can interpret and can trace back to something they themselves have experienced which makes the viewer more invested because they can relive their past and can have the nostalgic feeling. The images are tilted or partially drawn, are upside down since they are distorted in my mind and I arrange them the way I remember it from time to time. I try to use more happening colors as it can interpret a happier version and makes the viewer more invested.

In addition, Mr., Naeem Tahir appreciating the exhibition said the national heritage division [under which Shakir Ali Museum falls] was trying its best to make the museum a vibrant cultural venue place. The exhibition would continue for a week.

The writer is an independent curator based in Lahore. She can be reached at mahaaashraf27@gmail.com