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    'Identity': New Works by Akram Dost Baloch at Satrang Gallery

    Written by: Sana Shahid
    Posted on: January 19, 2017 |

    A figurative painting from the latest works by Akram Dost Baloch

    Celebrated artist Akram Dost Baloch exhibited his latest collection of artworks at the Satrang Art Gallery in Islamabad on January 17th, 2017. Inaugurated by the French Ambassador, H.E. Martine Dorance, the opening of the exhibition on Tuesday was a star-studded event, with distinguished figures of the industry including Jamal Shah and Muniba Mazari turning up to witness the new works by the acclaimed artist. The guests were astounded by the number of art pieces on display, which included intricate carvings on wood as well as oil paintings on canvas and board.

    Akram Dost with Director PNCA Jamal Shah, Director Satrang Gallery Asma Khan, Curator Zaira Ahmad and Assistant Curators Maimoona Riaz and Jasmine Michael

    Akram Dost with Director PNCA Jamal Shah, Director Satrang Gallery Asma Khan, Curator Zaira Ahmad and Assistant Curators Maimoona Riaz and Jasmine Michael

    Akram Dost graduated from the National College of Arts, Lahore, and has been working for the creation and promotion of art ever since. He belongs to Nushki, which is known as one of the most culturally rich towns in Balochistan. Akram seems to have a selfless personality, not merely following his own passion but also working on building the Fine Arts Department at the University of Balochistan, and making it accessible for young people who are interested in the field. He is currently serving as Chairman of the University of Balochistan.

    For his latest series, Akram has chosen to depict a simple concept, executed with tremendous skill. Every visitor at the event was able to recognize what Akram has tried to represent – the people of Balochistan: their lives, traditions and culture. The entire collection focuses on figurative works with distinctive Balochi accessories and features. Rather than giving individual titles to the artworks, Akram has named his entire series as ‘Identity’, giving viewers the liberty to perceive each work on their own.

    Figurative oil painting and intricate wood carving by Akram Dost at Satrang Art Gallery, Islamabad

    A figurative oil painting                                                        An intricate wood carving

    The imagery particularly highlights the women and men of Balochistan. The male figure with a turban, beard and slightly deconstructed features instantly grabs one’s attention. On the other hand, the females have been depicted in wood carvings, with traditional embroidery patterns in the background to counter the disassociation of women with arts and crafts. Akram’s works give a voice to women who want to pursue their dreams and passions.

    “This work leads you to have interactive and critical discussions”, said Akram Dost, while elaborating on the concept behind his collection. Zaira Ahmad Zaka, the curator of the show, said that art should be more than just paintings on paper, and that she wanted to display canvases that had depth to them. Eighty percent of these works had not been exhibited previously in any studio, which added an element of surprise to the collection. Zaira deserves praise for planning and curating such a remarkable exhibition in collaboration with the gallery.

    Visitors at the exhibition by Akram Dost Baloch at Satrang Art Gallery, Islamabad

    Visitors at the exhibition

    Akram Dost is nothing short of a legend in the art world, and it is difficult to fathom the diversity of skill that his hands are capable of. Even with the amount of success he has garnered over the years, he is still proud of his roots, and continues to work for the promotion of his culture. He uses art as a medium to give a voice to those who have none, and to bring the beauty as well as the issues facing remote cultures to the limelight.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021