artists and promoted their work through his writings. He opened the gates for so many critics to write on the issue, and gave the culture of art a new life through his efforts.”
He said that the promotion of art and literature in the society was direly needed and the corporate sector should aid artists in any way possible.
“These exhibitions help the society counter violence, extremism and terrorism and promote tolerance, peace and tranquility to enjoy a pluralistic life in a multiethnic and diverse culture country like Pakistan.”
Munawwar Ali Syed, famous artist and event curator, said the Jang group had arranged a unique event, the first time in Pakistan by any media group.
“It is appreciable that the organisers have paid artists for their work and they can bring their projects back with them, which is very rare in our country.
The group allowed these artists to portray their strengths and unique imaginations without worrying about selling their work,” he added.
He regretted that art stories were only restricted to English newspapers for a long time. “It is disappointing to see a few lines in Urdu newspapers about art and craft. I hope this exhibition will help us revive art sections in Urdu dailies.”
Twenty-four artists presented captivating narrations on various aspects of newspapers, their interpretation, refusal, and fascination within our culture. Faraz Matee, an artist, displayed a trunk-like model titled “I love real” made up of carved newspapers.
He said the idea was to analyse the foundation of all understanding that originates from nature and examine how man had used it to create and disseminate immaterial and material qualities of our knowledge about the world.
“This work questions the perception of real nature; as nature is actually turning into a man-made nature,” he added.
He disappointingly added that the major problem of an artist in Pakistan was the lack of space for producing art.
“I do all my work in the premises of my university where I teach. The authorities must help us in providing proper spaces to work like the artists in developed countries have.”
Kiran Saeed, a young artist, picked up a catchy idea for her painting.
She painted toys and newspapers in different shelves of a cupboard, depicting the fact that children were addicted to toys and elders to newspapers.
“Newspapers have taken over a very important place in everyone’s life, and we shelve them in our minds. We want to know anything about everything or everything about anything just like kids are full of curiosity,” she added.
Journalists, artists, critics, and people other walks of life visited the event. The 10-day exhibition will continue till April 13.