Painting, photo show opens at AIOU

Islamabad

A three-day Art and Photographic Exhibition opened at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) here on Wednesday.

It was inaugurated by renowned literary figure Atta-ul-Haq Qasmi, who highly appreciated talent of the artists. Over 80 paintings and photographs were put on display. National College of Arts Principal Professor Dr. Murtaza Jafari, who was also present on the occasion, praised the role AIOU in cultural field and assured his support for launching of fine arts’ programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said the exhibition was aimed at identifying, recognising and celebrating the calibre and talent of the university's artists. It was also an attempt to promote and encourage new trends and developments in the field of art and culture.

Such an event will be a regular future and the university will hold a larger exhibition next year, he added. He hoped this will also be a source of encouragement for young artists. 

Besides the university’s staff, art-lovers and students of fine arts from various institutions witnessed the artistic work which also included calligraphy inscribed with Quranic verses. 

Dr. Shahid Siddqui further said that they are in negotiation with the NCA for its cooperation to start fine arts’ classes and other programmes. This will add diversity to their existing academic programmes, making the AIOU a high-profile learning institution.

He lauded the creative work of the artists, hoping they will keep it up for achieving excellence in the relevant field. The artists whose work was put on display included Ijaz Ahmed, Faisal Azeem, Nasira Aqeel, Rabia Mukhtar, Khalid Javed Yousufi, Muhammad Shoaib, Mohsin Kazmi, Sadia Rahat Saeed and Shahnam Irshad Ahmed.

Director Institute of Education Technology Mukhtar Ahmed Talpur and chief designer Ijaz Ahmed gave an introduction of the exhibition and said they will provide all possible support to young designers and artists as per the vision of the vice chancellor.