Painting, calligraphy exhibition gets encouraging response

PESHAWAR: A two-day painting and calligraphy exhibition concluded at the Iranian Cultural Centre on Sunday after getting an encouraging response.
More than 50 art pieces drawn by budding artists with the help of various mediums had been put on display in the Imam Khomeini Hall of the Khana Farhang-e-Islami Jamhoori Iran, said organizers.
Most of the paintings had been made in oil on the canvas. The charcoal work and pencil sketches were there as well to attract the attention of the visitors, a majority of them art lovers.
A painting of Holy Kaaba was a centre of attraction of all.
Most paintings put on display had been drawn by artist, Shakeel. Major part of his work had been done in oil, yet the visitors associated with the art also termed his calligraphy classic.
“Shakeel sahib is very hard working. He works commercially as well. He is known for making hoardings and that is why he is enjoying a greater chance to polish his skills,” said a visitor, Ali Gul, who admired the work.
A known Persian language writer from Kohat and Liaison Officer at the Iranian Cultural Centre, Professor Syed Ghayyur Hussain, a said the students who take the painting and calligraphy classes at the Centre overworked to get pieces ready for the exhibition.
Those at the exhibition were left inspired by the works of the young artists. They said the exhibited works proved that art had a bright future in Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“I have drawn inspiration from this exhibition. It is heartening to note that even school students have been attracted towards painting and calligraphy,” said Fizza Zahra, who teaches English at a local school and is herself a painter.
Fizza Zahra said she was happy to see that the art classes at the Iranian Cultural Centre had expanded. “More space has been allocated for the art classes, which is a good omen,” added the young artist whose paintings were displayed at the same premises in the past and had won appreciation.
Another visitor said the art teacher, Khizer, who takes painting classes is so engrossed in his work that that even school children are being attracted to the art to depict cultures through the strokes of the brush.
Member of National Assembly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Ayesha Gulalai Wazir, who was the chief guest on occasion, said the Iranian Cultural Centre was doing a commendable job by encouraging artists and promoting the artistic pursuits.
The legislator said the artists enjoyed a distinct place in the society. “They are very sensitive and depict the society in true colours. I can see all the cultures of Pakistan in the paintings displayed here. Allah has blessed these artists with such hands that are producing wonders,” she added while saluting the artists for their creations.
The MNA said Muslims are united and those trying to drive a wedge between various sects are bound to fail in their designs.
Director General of Khana Farhang -e-Islami Jamhoori Iran, Ali Yousefi, praised all the students whose works had been displayed on the occasion.
He said the Iranian Cultural Centre would continue to support the art. “We have been providing a good platform to the artists and literati since long and will continue these pursuits in future,” he added.
The cultural diplomat said the humarmand (artists) should not feel worried as their hunar (art) will always speak for itself.