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    The Annual Emerging Artists Show 2017 at My Art World

    Written by: Zainab Hasan
    Posted on: February 24, 2017 |

    'Souls' by Maham Syed

    Art often serves as a mirror for us to reflect and recognize ourselves in connection with our surroundings. When used effectively, works of art can create and convince us of another reality, based on multiple approaches – emotional and psychological – to hone an intimate bond with the world around us.

    ‘The Annual Emerging Artists Show’ has been anchored by My Art World, an Islamabad-based online art gallery that serves as a platform for emerging as well as established contemporary artists from all over Pakistan. “Our aim is to promote young artists with the opportunity to discover new talent, and see what they have been producing upon launching their careers in the art world”, says Zara Sajid, the curator of the gallery. “We also post artists’ portfolios and statements online so that people browse through other artworks that aren’t for sale”.

    Emerging Artists Show 2017 at My Art World, Islamabad - Untitled 4 - Rohma Anwaar

    Untitled 4 - Rohma Anwaar

    The current exhibition is showcasing thesis works by recent art graduates from the National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore & Rawalpindi, CEAD Jamshoro, and Punjab University. It is a collective effort of 27 emerging artists, reflecting big ideas and ingenuity realized through a variety of media. The artworks on display are highly diverse, ranging from figurative art and contemporary printmaking to infinitely layered abstract art. The artists have gained inspiration from their personal perspectives and philosophies, depicting their ups and downs and subjective experiences through their work.

    Maha Hasan, a printmaking major, has displayed treated zinc plates on a black background. “My subject matter is actually the process of printing itself. Each layer I use gives me information for the next”, she explains. “I continue to explore the dance between ink and marks by using experimental methods of application that demand spontaneity in gesture and thought, while maintaining an informed reason for every action that is taken. I find this to be a challenging and illuminating experience, because it pushes me further into the discovery of new possibilities”.

    Emerging Artists Show 2017 at My Art World, Islamabad - Watercolors on wasli by Ali Asghar

    Watercolors on wasli by Ali Asghar

    Ali Asghar’s technique, though part of traditional miniature, narrates a slightly unconventional idea. He uses large-scale miniatures to reveal a dialogue between Man and his Creator. One gets lost in the fluid motion within the layers of paint as the eye moves along the swirling lines. The rapid application of paint juxtaposes harmony and conflict, where a set of colors depicts a serene figure while serving as the backdrop for different elements at the same time.

    Emerging Artists Show 2017 at My Art World, Islamabad - 'Bed' by Saleha Khan

    'Bed' by Saleha Khan

    Saleha Khan’s art revolves around seeing someone’s presence in their absence. Her painterly work depicts an undone bed with personal belongings scattered around. Her artworks portray those involuntary feelings that one has to make an effort to shake off; the feelings that remind us that not so long ago, the place where we are was occupied by another person, who may not be there physically but has left behind traces of their presence.

    On the contrary, Eeman Khan’s philosophy can be summed up through the famous saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. She paints women with composed facial expressions in a blank mask, giving nothing away at first glance; but as you come closer, it becomes evident that the composure is forced. She aims to portray the inner battles that we face on a daily basis, and the struggles that we want to hide from the world but are not quite able to.

    Emerging Artists Show 2017 at My Art World, Islamabad - Untitled - Eeman Khan

    Untitled - Eeman Khan

    Sidrat Munteha’s art pieces show a transformation from subtle hues and linear alignment to an unusual three-dimensional composition with complex patterns. She creates a multi-layered environment where shadows and lines merge into circular motions. The effect is engaging and the execution is strange yet fascinating.

    Emerging Artists Show 2017 at My Art World, Islamabad - Untitled - Sidrat Munteha

    Untitled - Sidrat Munteha

    This young generation of artists seems to be charting new territory by working with unexplored genres, forms and expressions. The way I see it, this is just the tip of what will soon branch out into a diverse, thought-provoking and innovative body of work by these emerging artists. We wish the best of luck to these immensely talented young graduates as they venture out into the world as professional 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