An art exhibition titled “The Legacy, Vision of the Old Masters & Contemporary Painters of Pakistan” was unveiled at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Ahmed Parvez Art Gallery, marking the 10th day of the ongoing World Culture Festival Karachi. The exhibition, a key part of the festival, was inaugurated by prominent dignitaries including UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Archives Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, and President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah.
UAE Consul General in Karachi, BakheetAtiq Al Remaithi, also attended the event. Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al Zaabi expressed his admiration for the exhibition, praising the efforts of Muhammad Ahmed Shah and Zulfiqar Ali Shah in organizing such an impressive cultural event in Karachi.
“Art is a universal language, and the participation of 40 countries in this festival truly reflects that,” he said. Highlighting the strong cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE, Al Zaabi emphasized the potential for collaborative artistic exchanges between the two nations, especially among younger generations. He further mentioned that Pakistani artists had made their mark at the Dubai Art Festival, and he looks forward to future joint projects between artists from both countries. Provincial Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah echoed the Ambassador’s sentiments, welcoming the UAE delegation to Karachi.
He noted the importance of such cultural events in strengthening the country’s international image. “This festival is helping to project Pakistan’s positive image worldwide,” Shah said, adding that there are plans to host a cultural festival in Dubai as well. He also mentioned that the UAE had been a reliable partner, particularly during challenging times like natural disasters. “Whenever floods hit Pakistan, we saw the Emirati Consul General standing by our side,” he stated. Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council, expressed pride in the participation of the UAE Ambassador and underscored the longstanding relationship between the two nations. He shared that the idea for the World Culture Festival was inspired by the 2017 World Culture Summit and that the Sindh government had been instrumental in making the event a success.
“The Sindh government has offered its full support, and we’ve also sought intellectual collaboration from the UAE,” Shah said. The exhibition showcases an impressive collection of 29 masterpieces from Pakistan’s legendary artists alongside 32 contemporary works. The artists featured include well-known names such as Anwar Maqsood, Laila Shahzada, Zubaida Agha, Abdul RehmanChughtai, and many others, whose work represents a blend of the country’s rich artistic history and evolving modern styles.
Among the emerging talent, artists like Raza Ali, Yasir Noor, and Ajab Khan are being celebrated for their innovative contributions to Pakistan’s art scene. In a symbolic gesture of friendship, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah presented a painting by celebrated artist and intellectual Anwar Maqsood to the UAE Ambassador, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al Zaabi.
The exhibition will continue until October 15, 2024, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness both the past and future of Pakistan’s vibrant art landscape.
