LAHORE: A group exhibition of paintings by 38 artists opened at the Coopera Art Gallery on Friday.
Most of the paintings displayed at the exhibition were by senior artists of the city. They utilised various media, including watercolour paintings, oil on canvas, and abstract art. The work displayed is both new productions and old art. Landscapes and cityscapes particularly attracted art lovers. The paintings highlighted the colours of the country’s indigenous features.
Artwork: The work of new artists was distinguished from that of senior ones, as the new artists focused on western trends, while the seniors depicted native and indigenous themes in the form of cityscapes, landscapes, watercolours, and conceptual works of art. A painting by artist Muhammad Javed depicted a footpath where books were lying for sale as passers-by were looked on at the books of their choice. The basic idea of the painting was taken from an actual spot near Anarkali, yet the abstract touch in the paintings was a conceptual work of the artist that added to the charm of the painting.
Muhammad Shafique’s watercolour paintings showed new techniques that he has introduced in his work. One of his paintings show the front of the Badshahi Mosque and Hazoori Bagh in its full glory.
Sadaqat H Siddiqui has painted ‘Sunehiri Masjid’, while houses adjacent and around the mosque also found some space on the canvas. The focus, however, was kept on the mosque. Abid Hussain Qureshi’s paintings showed the scene of a furnace. It depicts the time when the great pyramids of Egypt were being built. The skill of the artist was evident from the style with which he maintained the red colour of the earth used.
Senior artist Saeed Akhter displayed two portraits of women. One portrait was from ancient times, while the other was of more recent days. The difference in style of the eminent artist was evident from the two portraits. The exhibition will remain open until February 14.
