‘Modern Classics’ art show opens with a tale of persistence and passion

Main-Frame The Gallery is hosting a solo show titled ‘Modern Classics’ by prolific impressionist and abstract-artist Mashkoor Raza. His solo show Modern Classics opened on Tuesday at the Main-Frame The Gallery on Shahrah-e-Attar in Clifton Block 4, said a press release.

The show is being curated by Shahzad Saeed Ahmad. Modern Classics is a unique exhibition. It is a cumulative retrospect of the artist’s journey that spans over a course of four decades. It is a tale of persistence, passion and ultimately ascending to the pinnacle of art practice.

There are a few things that any artist creates with an end goal at the back of his mind. He wants his work to be appreciated and support his livelihood. And then there are other things that are purely labour of love.

Shahzad Saeed further added by sharing; for over a year, Mashkoor Raza slowly but surely churned out one masterpiece after another. Such pieces are rare and far in between in any artists career. One is left startled to realize that Mashkoor is an endless well of creativity. The 61 paintings that will be part of this show stand out from the seen body of works. There will also be a few pieces from his early years. And just as a climber takes small calculated steps to ascend to the peak of a mountain, the viewer would be invited to stroll through the gallery floors where the journey of Mashkoor Raza will unfold in front of their eyes. Near the top floors is where his latest works as well as his coveted national awards be displayed.

Mashkoor Raza born in 1948, in Moradabad district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is a graduate of Karachi School of Arts where he enrolled himself in 1969 and under the able patronage of Rabia Zuberi, Hajra Zuberi and Mansoor Rahi, he was able to polish his skills to an extent where he won the Gold medal upon his graduation in 1972. After a brief teaching stint at his alma-mater he went on to establish Mashkoor School of Art in 1990.

During his illustrious career Mashkoor Raza participated in many national and international displays in the USA, UK, Germany, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Canada, Bahrain and Iran. His paintings have been selected for the art collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

He has over two dozen solo-shows to his credit. Mashkoor Raza has won several awards and among them the most prestigious ones being the Pride of Performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award, which were bestowed upon him in 2007 and 2023 respectively.

Exhibition which starts on 5th November 2024 at 05:00 pm will continue till 13th November 2024 at the Main-Frame The Gallery located at plot number F73/9, Clifton block 4, Shahrah-e-Attar, Karachi.