xhibition of calligraphic paintings by Lahore-based

Islamabad:An exhibition of calligraphic paintings by Lahore-based Atif Iqbal Qazi is on at the Jharoka Art Gallery. The exhibition has been organised under the auspices of ‘Rastay’. Adding a new and innovative dimension to calligraphy while working through the mediums of oil, poster colours, pencils, ink, charcoal and mixed media, the displays verify that Atif has excelled in the art of calligraphy among the new breed of calligraphers of Pakistan.

Eminent calligrapher and recipient of ‘Pride of Performance’ award Rasheed Butt inaugurated the exhibition on Tuesday. About 43 calligraphic works on display includes Qur’aanic verses, phrases and the names of Allah done in silver, black, and yellow colours on canvas in a fusion of contemporary and traditional concepts. Talking about traditional calligraphy as an intricate and difficult medium as compared to the contemporary concepts, Rasheed Butt eulogised Atif’s innovative approach in applying contemporary techniques with bold enthusiasm while keeping within the traditional practices followed by few master calligraphers of this country. Butt stressed the need to promote and support Calligraphy in Pakistan, particularly among young and upcoming artists of Pakistan, as it is an important part of Islamic culture. He said that Atif was a gifted and hardworking calligraphist who has achieved highest skills in the calligraphic art.

In his statement, the artist describes his aesthetic thought process inspired by the art of calligraphy that has been an important ingredient of Islamic culture and society for more the thousand years. He says that the Holy Qur’aan’s script is being written in several styles the Qur’aanic verses are found in cosmic colours and techniques, which depict the love of individual to his Creator.

As a calligraphist, Atif Iqbal adopted a mannerism of calligraphy, which would not resemble with any existing style and techniques.

After a couple of solo exhibitions held in Lahore, Atif Iqbal is holding his first solo exhibition in Islamabad at the Jharoka Art Gallery.

Atif Iqbal has learned the skills of drawing and the techniques of calligraphy from different institute of Punjab and during the studies of drawing and painting, he has been lucky to have the presence of distinguished painters as his teachers.

The exhibition will continue at the Jharoka Art Gallery (House no. 8, Street 28, Sector F-8/1) till May 26.The news
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