Three-day solo art exhibition begins in Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD: A three-day solo art exhibition got underway at Jalal Baba Auditorium here on Friday, drawing wide attention from art enthusiasts, students, professionals, nature lovers, and the creative community of Hazara Division.

Titled “Journey Through an Artist’s Eyes” the exhibition, organised to promote nature tourism through visual arts, was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram, who appreciated the artist’s efforts in highlighting Pakistan’s natural beauty through his creative expression. The event was attended by a large number of students, media representatives, literary figures and art admirers.

Art, in all its forms, has long been recognised as a powerful medium to inspire change and stimulate positive thought within society. This exhibition exemplified that philosophy by presenting nature as both a muse and a message.

Muhammad Arif Khan, the artist behind this creative endeavour, has been promoting nature-based tourism through art since 1996. Beginning his professional journey from the Hunerkada Art Gallery, Islamabad, he has spent decades capturing the breathtaking landscapes of northern Pakistan - from tranquil meadows and lush valleys to crystal-blue lakes, thick forests, and snow-covered mountain ranges. His works depict Pakistan’s scenic grandeur with an impressionistic yet realistic approach.

Having held numerous solo exhibitions across the country, Arif Khan has also showcased his work internationally in Russia, Iran, Central Asia, the Middle East and Hong Kong, where his paintings have been widely acclaimed. His art celebrates Pakistan’s diverse natural beauty, drawing parallels with the majestic Alps of Switzerland, and contributes meaningfully to the country’s soft image abroad.

In addition to landscape painting, Arif Khan is known for his mastery in still-life compositions and Qur’anic calligraphy, employing a unique paper-carving technique that blends tradition with innovation. His multifaceted artistic talent positions him as one of Pakistan’s most prolific and versatile painters.

Speaking at the event, Arif Khan emphasised that art bridges people across cultures and fosters peace through shared appreciation of beauty and creativity. He noted that exhibitions like this encourage exploration of nature and promote awareness about environmental conservation, sustainable living, and tourism development.

“Art is a universal language - it transcends borders and connects humanity,” said Arif Khan. “Through this exhibition, I aim to inspire appreciation for our natural environment and highlight the harmony between man and nature.”

“I plan to organise future exhibitions in the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, and Dubai, but face delays due to lack of official facilitation,” he said and appealed to the government and cultural institutions to support artists and provide platforms for showcasing Pakistan’s creative talent internationally.

Experts at the event underscored that artists are invaluable national assets who play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s identity and promoting cultural diplomacy. They stressed that state sponsorship and institutional backing are vital for sustaining creative endeavors that contribute to Pakistan’s global image.