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    'Eleven': Karachi Interpreted by 11 Artists at ArtChowk Gallery

    Written by: Nageen Shaikh
    Posted on: January 20, 2017 |

    Untitled - Fraz Mateen

    The city of Karachi has always been renowned for its cultural diversity and booming art scene. With its diverse ethnic roots, it is no surprise that artists are always able to find new ways to express their feelings towards the rich and colourful atmosphere of the city. Eleven artists hailing from the City of Lights have displayed their works at ArtChowk Gallery, expressing in distinctive ways the emotions evoked in them by the city. The artworks are intriguing and versatile; there are sculptures and paintings not merely placed on the walls and hanging from the ceiling, but also spread out on the floor.

    Ladla by Artist Muhammad Ismail

    'Ladla' - Muhammad Ismail

    The participating artists include young university graduates, seasoned artists, as well as the University of Karachi’s very own metalsmith, the talented Mohammad Ismail, who exhibits intricately crafted metal sculptures. Titled Ladla, the sculpture gives the appearance of a man standing upright; however, the form suggests that the toil of his labour has taken a toll on him. This alludes to the daily stresses that the citizens of Karachi have to cope with. A somewhat similar concept has been used by Fahim Rao with his Stress Series, consisting of brass sculptures in shades of golden. Entwined lines create abstract forms, again symbolizing the stressful lifestyle of Karachiites.  

    Raheela Abro brings forth a unique concept with her work Pani by painting on the floor of the gallery. Abro paints green splashes, which are quite literally an embodiment of the wet roads around the city. Some may wonder whether literal art that offers not much aesthetic beauty is a praiseworthy addition, but the artwork depicts the frustration that builds up among the people of the city due to its many unmaintained roads and buildings.

    Sketches by Fraz Mateen show two faces amidst several intricate circles. Untitled, this series of sketches is remarkably hatched in monotone ink. Each sketch shows the same two faces, which could be interpreted as the various personalities that one takes up in different life situations. Life in the city can sometimes be harsh, forcing almost every individual to assume various personas to cater to different circumstances. Mateen’s works reflect the anxiety that we experience as we try to make sense of the chaos around us.

    Sweet Dreams by Artist S M Raza

    'Sweet Dreams' - S M Raza

    Rabia Shoaib’s paintings and calligraphy are versatile and thought-provoking, with Raastay being particularly noteworthy from amongst her pieces. S.M. Raza’s acrylic works depict the daily woes of a common man in the city. Other eye-catching works include Urban Heaven by Abdullah Qamar, Untitled by Asad Hussain, Khilonay by Noman Siddiqui, Lethal Fragrance by Sadia Jamal and Success Behind by Nabeel Majeed.

    Lethal Fragrance by Artist Sadia Jamal

    'Lethal Fragrance' - Sadia Jamal

    The exhibition has received quite an enthusiastic reception, with distinguished artists and critics including Durriya Kazi and Amin Gulgee turning up to witness the newly exhibited artworks. The show will continue at ArtChowk Gallery till January 30.

    Amin Gulgee (left) also came to support the artists

    Amin Gulgee (left) also came to support the artists


    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