Karachi’s Ahmed Parvez Art Gallery recently became a hub of creativity as the Arts Council of Pakistan hosted the “Fine Art & Textile Design Thesis Display.” The exhibition featured the work of thirteen third and fourth-year students from the School of Visual & Performing Arts, showcasing both fine art and textile design.
The show was inaugurated by Culture, Tourism and Archives Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, alongside President of the Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Renowned painter Shahid Rassam, Chairman of the Fine Art Committee Farrukh Shehab, Muhammad Zeeshan, Nazar Hussain, and a large number of students were also present.
In fine art, students presenting their work included Faha Shabi, Hafsa Awan, Maria, Arwa Hasnayn, Yusra Khan, Sundus Tariq, Hafsa Ramzan, Asim Naqvi, and Zehra Ali. The textile design section featured Sani Zahra, Areege Malik, and Maria.
While addressing the audience, Culture, Tourism and Archives Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah spoke about the importance of nurturing young talent and connecting youth with their culture. “Today, good talent has emerged in the form of these children. There are many educated people in Balochistan; I believe that Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are in an atmosphere of terrorism. Art and culture end hatred. We have to spread the message of peace and love of the Sufis of Sindh all over the world. I assure that the Sindh Government will support the Arts Council in granting university status to the Art School. Those who are doing politics of hatred should be kept away from politics. The Gul Plaza incident is a painful tragedy; every child’s parents are heroes. Here, a girl has presented her work inspired by the incident that took place at Gul Plaza.”
President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah highlighted the impact of providing free art education. “We have children coming even from Lyari. The Arts Council is providing all kinds of support to these children. Those who come wearing broken slippers have proven that if there is passion, the world can be conquered. Every year, the number of children in the Art School is increasing. This year, our effort is to convert this school into a university. Our exchange program has started; we will send our students to different countries of the world.”
Renowned painter Shahid Rassam reflected on the institution’s journey, saying, “Every story of this institution is a success story. The Arts Council has held the hand of every child. At this time, our alumni are stars. I congratulate our faculty members from the depths of my heart. All this hard work is of the faculty members along with the children. Ahmed Shah has taken this institution to great heights. Across Pakistan, including National College of Arts and Indus Valley, the voice of the School of Visual & Performing Arts is resonating.”
The three-day exhibition runs from January 21 to 23 at Ahmed Parvez Art Gallery, Ahmed Shah Building, Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, celebrating the creativity and dedication of its students.
