An ode to Bengali beauty and maestros

Karachi
The significance of Bengali art in the global art world simply cannot be doubted. Thus, it is worrying to see that even the culturally inclined individuals among our younger generations remain oblivious to the works of Bengali maestros. This exhibition is an attempt to introduce them to these masterpieces, all of which offer a unique dimension that helps broaden the viewer's horizon.
In these words, Zainab Jafri, curator and owner of the Spaces Gallery, summed up the idea behind ‘Art of Bengal’, an exhibition featuring 26 modern artworks by five Bengali artists - Zainul Abedin, SM Sultan, Kibria, Qamar-ul-Hasan and Munir-ul-Islam - which opened at her gallery this past week.
“And you know what, the response has been terrific,” added Jafri, as she graciously took time out from mingling with visitors to speak to The News.
Her views were seconded by Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner, Noor-e-Helal Saif-ur-Rahman, the chief guest at the launch, who termed the introduction of Bengali arts in Pakistan a ‘need of the hour’.
“I have seen that Pakistanis have great respect for quality arts, hence, introducing my country's art here is an honour in itself,” he said.
The senior diplomat also delved into the intricacies of Bengali art. "Our art is often a beautiful mixture of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. It has a uniqueness that offers the viewer knowledge beyond his or her experiences.”
Attended by a few yet intellectually aggrandising art lovers, the exhibition successfully captured the attention of all those present. “These masterpieces date back to the pre-partition era.
“It is an enriching chance for art lovers to view for themselves the gems of artists such as Kibria and Zainul Abedin here,” said Sarmad Ali of the Jang Media Group.
Quoting St Francis of Assisi – “He who works with his hands is a labourer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist” – Uzma Rizvi, a marketing manager by profession, said the exhibition had vindicated the thoughts of the revered Italian preacher.
Given the appreciative response from all present, her words seemed to ring true. To ascertain the veracity of the view, however, all art lovers of the city have till October 14 to visit the Spaces Gallery.