Lok Virsa preserving cultural heritage of Pakistan

[Omar1984]

Lok Virsa preserving cultural heritage of Pakistan

Monday, February 16, 2009


Islamabad

Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) is a specialised cultural organisation charged with the mandate for research, collection, documentation and preservation of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Pakistan.

Being a federal institution, it has no branches elsewhere in Pakistan, yet it works through nongovernmental organisations, regional and local cultural societies and clubs.

In order to document and preserve indigenous cultural traditions, arts, crafts, folklore and other aspects of Pakistani culture and to support and encourage artisans, artists and musicians, Lok Virsa undertook an initiative to establish a network of community-based organisations and regional cultural bodies all over Pakistan under on-going Pak-Norway cultural cooperation programme. Preference was given to the people belonging to poor and marginalized classes of our society.

Under this network, a number of activities benefiting master artisans, folk artists, musicians and the revival of dying traditional skills were undertaken. The success of this initiative can be judged from the fact that these activities and programmes are now becoming more and more popular among the masses and they are fully involved in the venture.

The major activities organised by Lok Virsa under this programme included a benefit show for master artisans from war affected areas of Swat valley; a benefit show to support an outstanding folk singer from the tribal areas, Zarsanga and a benefit show to document and preserve the magnificent centuries old art of needle work (Sui Dhaga). Apart from these events, a number of other activities are also in the pipeline for the next three months.

In order to further strengthen the network that was set up by Lok Virsa two years ago, a meeting was held at Islamabad under the chairmanship of Executive Director, Mazhar-ul-Islam and attended by senior representatives from Abbasin Arts Council, Peshawar, Idara-e-Saqafat-e-Balochistan Quetta; Saraiki Research Centre, Multan; Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Thatta; Multan Arts Council, Multan; Anjuman Taraq-e-Khowar; Punjab Culture Centre; Institute of Balochistan Studies, Pashto Academy, Peshawar and Pakistan Markazi Hindku Board, Peshawar.

The participants assured their full cooperation and assistance to Lok Virsa in executing the programme in a more affective and professional manner.

Major projects being undertaken by Lok Virsa through this network include joint research on cultural heritage, holding folk and artisans-at-work festivals; art and craft exhibitions; joint publications; assistance for publishing an encyclopaedia on folklore; establishing children’s folklore societies in remote regions, etc.

Lok Virsa preserving cultural heritage of Pakistan

 

[Omar1984]

‘Tana Bana’ attracts large crowd

Monday, February 16, 2009
by Saadia Khalid

Islamabad

A number of people visited and appreciated the traditional art of weaving displayed in an exhibition at Lok Virsa where as many as 32 traditional ‘Khaddis’ (handlooms) were set up on its premises.

The exhibition titled ‘Tana Bana-Weavers of the Human Soul’ displayed the artwork by the artisans from remote areas of Pakistan where they portrayed their expertise on the spot while amazing the visors through their strong grasp over the art.

The artisans focused on weaving linen and articles of clothing and common weal like ‘khes,’ ‘lungi,’ ‘khatta,’ ‘khaddar’ and ‘sussi.’ Among all ‘Khaddar’ and ‘Sussi’ remained the centre of attention for most of the visitor visiting the facility. The traditional and lively event was inaugurated by Ministry of Culture Additional Secretary Akram Shaheedi who appreciated the efforts of Lok Virsa for highlighting the traditional craft of ‘Khaddi.’

“It is an ideal platform to encourage artisans for producing handicrafts using traditional skills, patterns and themes in an innovative way to ensure continuity and sustainability of these traditional skills,” he said.

The students from Karachi School of Arts also participated in the exhibition with their ‘khaddis’ to display an amalgamation of modern and traditional weaving skills, creating hybrid novelties of patterns and designs.

“Weaving is not only a craft but a mystic tradition associated with Sufis, who used weaving as a meditation practice, as it consisted in transferring cotton and wool into cloth that provided comfort and cover to mankind against heat and cold,” said Executive Director Lok Virsa, Mazhar-ul-Islam.

The world’s earliest known woven cotton cloth was found at 5000 year old Moenjodaro site in Sindh where cotton cultivation is still a major farming practice. Hand woven fabrics became the leading industry and export in the Mughal period while the craft suffered immensely during the British rule, as the Colonials wanted their machine made textiles to replace the indigenous handloom product.

The revival of small and cottage textile industries, as an integral part of the economy of Pakistan began after partition and now it has become a craft of Pakistan, which is respected all over the world.

From fabrics of all kinds to carpets, rugs and curtains the weavers in all towns of the country are producing the typical product of their age old tradition in the shape of ‘khes,’ ‘darrees,’ ‘lungis’, ‘khaddar,’ ‘banarsi’ silk, cotton and woven cloth of all descriptions, stylish floor rugs and carpets. Old methods of production following ancient traditions passed on from generation to generation are still alive in the work and skills of the handloom craftsmen.

The on the spot demonstration of ‘Khaddi’ grasped the attention of majority of visitors especially students who not only appreciated the craftsmanship of the artisans, but also the excellent colour sense and creative designs of the artisans who although did not have any formal education yet have an inborn capability to produce a masterpiece.

‘Tana Bana’ attracts large crowd

 

[pakistanheritage]

Rhythms of Illumination, a collaborative exhibition of contemporary Indian and Pakistani art, will be launched in Dubai on October 25th 2007 at the Grand Hyatt, it was announced today.

More than 60 original and inspiring artworks are being brought to Dubai by Brush Trading LLC & Delhi-based Nitanjali Art Gallery for a 3-day exhibition which will feature works by highly-acclaimed artists including Chhotulal, Meena Deora, Najmi Sura, Naina Kanodia, Sujata Dere, Suman Roy, and Vinay Sharma, all exhibiting in Dubai for the first time.

Veteran artist Partha Bhattacharya will be presenting a collection of ten works which are based on the relationship between men and women.

“The overwhelming response to contemporary Southeast Asian art at recent events such as the Christie’s auction and the DIFC Gulf Art Fair has prompted us to return to Dubai with Rhythms of Illumination,” said Shareen Botelho, Director, Brush Trading LLC.

“There is clearly an increasing interest in art as an investment as the Middle East’s discerning clientele get more educated and exposed to trends in the global art scene. Cosmopolitan Dubai offers us the ideal platform to showcase these unique art pieces that offer a great investment opportunity for not just the city’s large Indian and Pakistani population but art connoisseurs of all nationalities,” she added.

Other artists whose work will be on display include Sachindra Nath Jha, Amiya Bhattacharya, Seema Kohli and Jamil Naqsh, all popular with local art collectors.

Nitanjali Art Gallery is the brainchild of Anjali and Nitin Bhalla. Being art collectors for the past 30 years, their dream came true six years ago with the first gallery in Palam Vihar (now a working studio for young artists). The impetus behind the collection as well as the gallery itself was one of reaching out to art lovers.

Currently, two galleries exist in Delhi and Gurgaon. Anjali and Nitin endeavour to discover tomorrow’s Husains has resulted in a collection of paintings which are a feast for the senses. It encompasses a vast composite of oil paintings, watercolours, acrylics, pastels and charcoal drawings, mixed and contemporary media.

Nitanjali has held several shows in India and abroad. Following a series of such overwhelming overseas shows, Nitanjali proffers to broach the global market, furthering the founders’ commitment to develop international appreciation for and investments in current and future masters. For years people have been investing in the old masters of the country, now it is time that investments are also made in the future masters. Nitanjali is constantly working towards creating a platform for its upcoming artists to foster long term creative endeavour, and encouraging established, seasoned, as well as novitiate collectors to expand their vision.

Brush Resplendent Reveries, a show held earlier this year in May, marked the launch of Dubai-based Brush Trading LLC, the exclusive associate of Nitanjali Art Gallery in the GCC, as well as the continued collaboration of Nitanjali Art Gallery with the Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai. Nitanjali Art Gallery and Brush Trading LLC once again come together with this exhibition in Dubai to celebrate the spirit of artistic creation.

By virtue of its exclusive association with Nitanjali Art Gallery, Brush Trading LLC will provide GCC-based investors and art collectors an opportunity to participate in the growing global awareness of Asian art. Brush Trading LLc will organize additional exhibitions over the course of the year and continue to source selected investment oriented art to meet its region requirements.

Kanika Subberwal, resident of Delhi and part of the Al-Kabeer family, has appreciated Indian culture in multifarious and timeless dimensions. After a number of years working with textiles and design, she wished to embrace broader aesthetics of her native country. Acquainted with the Bhallas for over three decades, she witnessed the founding of Nitanjali Art Gallery; and then she joined hands with them.

Shareen Botelho, originally from Goa, India, has been based in Dubai for almost 15 years, and is a Director of Brush Trading LLC, recently established on the Dubai art scene. Initially, she began collecting Portuguese Art in the late 90’s and diversified her family portfolio into South Asian Art mainly from Indian in early 2005.

A chance meeting a few years back with Kanika Subberwal opened the possibility of propelling on a common platform of art as an investment to different segments of buyers who were initially under the impression that this was not an available avenue. Currently, Kanika and Shareen have founded Brush Trading LLC with the aim to bring together discerning buyers and investors here in the Middle East with original contemporary art.

Artists

Amiya Bhattcharya

Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship, Kolkata. Senior Art Director, Ananda Bazar Petrika Group of Publications. Designs art publications for the Centre of International Modern Art, Kolkata. Exhibitions at Taj Art Gallery and Jehangir Gallery in Mumbai; and the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. Participated in Nitanjali’s Indian Art Unbound I in London (2004); Indian Art Unbound II, Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai, UAE (2005), Indian Art Unbound Revisited, Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi (2005). Euphonic Palettes, Mumbai (2006); Euphonic Palettes, at the Alliance Francaise, New Delhi (2006); Dialogue, Nitanjali and Ejaz Art Galleries, Lahore (2006); Euphonic Palettes-Dubai (2006); Uninterrupted Journeys- Dubai & Mumbai (2007) and Resplendent Reveries-Dubai (2007).

Jamil Naqsh

Mayo College of Arts & Crafts, Lahore. Studied miniature painting with the renowned Ustad Haji Sharif. Considered to be as eastern as his miniatures and yet as modern an expressionist as any in the west. A maverick and powerfully original artist. In Lahore, the Foundation for Jamil Naqsh Museum confers an annual painting award. In London, a Jamil Naqsh Exhibition was sponsored by Habibson’s Bank Ltd. (2005); and a retrospective, Mohatta Palace Museum, Pakistan (2003). Participated in Nitanjali’s Euphonic Palettes, Mumbai, (2006); Euphonic Palettes, at the Alliance Francaise, New Delhi (2006); Euphonic Palettes-Dubai, Dubai (2006); Uninterrupted Journeys, ITC Grand Central Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Mumbai (2007); and Resplendent Reveries at Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai (2007).

Kamar Alam

Recently held solo show in March 2007. Has been part of many group shows all over the country and abroad including Resplendent Reveries at Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai (2007). He has also participated in several art workshops and seminars. For Kamar, his painted human forms carry forward unique powerful emotions that are hidden in every individual. He likes to paint his perception of life, his thoughts on the supreme and how an individual relates himself to another. Kamar’s work has a calmness flowing through them. The ethos and pathos have been beautifully put together in these artworks.

Sachindra Nath Jha

Degree in painting from the College of Arts & Crafts, Patna. Solo shows in New Delhi at Triveni Kala Sangam and Raas-Lila, Nitanjali Art Gallery, at Alliance Francaise, New Delhi (2006). Group shows in Patna, Delhi and Kolkata. Featured in Nitanjali’s Harmonious Chants at Visual Arts gallery, Delhi (2003); Indian Art Unbound I exhibition held by Nitanjali in London (2004); Indian Art Unbound II, Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai, UAE (2005); and Indian Art Unbound Revisited, Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi (2005); Euphonic Palettes, Mumbai (2006); Euphonic Palettes, at the Alliance Francaise, New Delhi (2006); Dialogue exhibition, Nitanjali and Ejaz Art Galleries, Lahore (2006); Euphonic Palettes-Dubai, Nitanjali Art Gallery, Dubai (2006); Uninterrupted Journeys-Dubai and Mumbai (2007); Resplendent Reveries at Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai (2007).

Sanatan Dinda

Government College of Arts and Crafts, Kolkata. Solo exhibitions presented by RPG enterprises; Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata (1996); Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (1999). Participated in Nitanjali’s Euphonic Palettes, Mumbai (2006); Euphonic Palettes, at the Alliance Francaise, New Delhi (2006); Euphonic Palettes-Dubai (2006); and Uninterrupted Journeys-Dubai (2007). Solo exhibition with Nitanjali, Dream Boat, Mumbai (2007). Numerous awards received in West Bengal. Work in collections across the globe, from that of the Duchess of Kent, Buckingham Palace, UK; to ISCON, Europe; RPG Enterprises; the Reliance Group; and Ballarpur Industries Ltd.

Seema Kohli

Diploma in Applied Arts, South Delhi Polytechnic Institute. Trained with Devraj Dakoji, Rameshwar Broota, and then at Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal. Solo and group shows in India, including at Art Heritage, Delhi (2000), Polka Art Gallery, New Delhi (2005, 2006); Chor Bazaar, London (2006); and Hiranyagarbha -The Golden Womb, Visual Arts Gallery, New Delhi (2007). Participated in Nitanjali’s Digressing Domains, at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi (2006); Euphonic Palettes-Dubai (2006); Uninterrupted Journeys-Dubai and Mumbai (2007); Resplendent Reveries at Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai (2007).

Sourav Bhattacharya

B.F.A from Rabindra Bharti University in 2005 with first class. Participated in College Annual Shows (2002-05) and Academy Annual Exhibition (’03). Received several awards including Best Painting Award in College Annual Show (’05). Exhibited in Nitanjali’s Indian Art Unbound II, Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai, UAE (2005); Indian Art Unbound Revisited, Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi (2005); Euphonic Palettes, Mumbai, (2006); Euphonic Palettes, at the Alliance Francaise, New Delhi (2006); Dialogue, Nitanjali and Ejaz Art Galleries, Lahore, (2006); Euphonic Palettes-Dubai (2006); Uninterrupted Journeys, Dubai and Mumbai (2007); Resplendent Reveries at Grand Hyatt DubaiGrand Hyatt Dubai (2007).

Vinay Sharma

Studied painting at the Rajasthan College of Arts in Jaipur, then Liverpool University, U.K. Completed his Post-graduate degree in Fine Arts at M.S. University, Baroda. Exhibited in India and overseas, and participated Digressing Domains, Nitanjali Art Gallery at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi (2006) and Uninterrupted Journeys at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai (2007).

Najmi Sura

Born in 1951 in Karachi.

B.A. Karachi University. Learned miniature painting from Jamil Naqsh. In 1984, first prize, Annual Arts Council exhibition, Pakistan. Themes of Pahari, Rajput and Mughal schools characterize her work with a modern sensibility. Exhibitions in Pakistan and travels abroad. Participated in ‘Euphonic Palettes’, contemporary art from India and Pakistan, held in Mumbai at the ITC Grand Central and in Delhi at the Alliance Francaise.

Nayanaa Kanodia

Born 1950, Nayanaa Kanodia grew up in Delhi, graduated in Economics Honours and winner of the National Scholarship of the Government of India. An Economist turned painter, Nayanaa is entirely a self-taught artist working in L’ art Naif, except for a year’s apprenticeship with Anjolie Ela Menon. She has exhibited widely in India and abroad, in solo and group shows, especially in museums and art galleries in London and Paris. In 1998, she was selected by The Commonwealth Institute, to hold a solo show in their newly renovated complex in London. In 2001 she was invited by the Victoria and Albert Museum, UK to exhibit her work and to give a demonstration of her technique. She has also conducted several art workshops and participated in camps in various parts on India and overseas. Nayanaa’s work is held in many public and private collections in India and abroad including Museums. She lives in Mumbai.

Rahat Naveed Masud

Rahat is an artist of international repute, and has participated in numerous exhibitions abroad and at home since 1982. Her most recent participation with her self-portrait in “Let Peace Prevail 2003″ by Women Painters in Pakistan, expresses her grave concerns about the human world. She has many publications and art displays at important venues in Pakistan and abroad to her credit. A Significant contribution is the interpretation she gave to the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, a world Famous Urdu poet of the twenty-first century. Her serious affair with the subject of Fine Arts began at College level (1971-73), and brought her several prizes and a scholarship in B. A. Punjab University. She continued her love and learning of art at M. A. level, and won academic fame as “the most outstanding” in M. A. Fine Arts and the Social Sciences (1976) in the Punjab University. Another Masters in Art and Design (1995) from Kingston University, London, and courses from the Wimbledon School of Arts (1992, 1997) and the Heatherly School of Art, Chelsea, London, are her proud privilege.

Suman Roy

Suman Roy, the son of the legendary painter Suhas Roy was brought up in Santiniketan, West Bengal. Living in a surrounding that exuded joy and simplicity he was trained almost automatically under a philosophy of simplicity. His early works, especially during the final years at Kala Bhawan reflected various moods of nature. After leaving Santiniketan and moving to Kolkata he started working on themes where human presence was predominant. Single human beings-mainly males made him introspect. His mission became to reach out to the viewer and bought realization to the fact that contemporary art movement in India was not integrated. His style is simple as he is confident that the so called technical jugglery does not lead the viewer to any point of contentment.

Shipra Bhattacharya

Held her first solo show in 1981. Her early work consisted of lifescapes, where she drew inspiration from the world around her. Ordinary people were often the subjects of her work. Women, both urban and rural, found greater representation in her paintings. She employed oil as well as mixed media for expressing herself. The pictures were remarkable in that they had diversely positioned elements designed in extremely complex or simple structures. The sharp colours added to the effect of her work. The drawings done by her around the mid-80’s and later were completely different from her earlier work except in their excellent execution. The figures enacted fantasies which were not a part of her earlier work. Shipra’s work is made most delightful by her smooth brush work, well chosen, complementary colours and the dreamy look. In less than twenty years, she has become an artist to reckon with.

Chhotulal

He was born in 1957 and holds a post graduation degree in Drawing and Painting from Udaipur University. He was awarded a Gold Medal with his post graduation degree. He won a silver medal at the 17th Annual All India Exhibition of Painting, Udaipur, the State Art Award at the 31st Annual Art Exhibition, Jaipur and the Kalidasa Consolation Prize, National Kalidasa Exhibtion at Ujjain. Apart from participating in various dual and group shows in Delhi and Mumbai, he has also held a solo show at the L.T.G. Art Gallery in New Delhi. His works are a part of numerous public and private collections in India and abroad.


Nitanjali Art Gallery