Main-Frame the Gallery has unveiled “Modern Classics,” a solo exhibition by renowned Pakistani impressionist and abstract artist Mashkoor Raza. The show, curated by Shahzad Saeed Ahmad, is a tribute to Raza’s 40-year artistic journey, showcasing 61 of his masterpieces that encapsulate his dedication and creativity. Curator Shahzad Saeed Ahmad shared insights into the exhibition, describing it as a “unique retrospective” of Raza’s career. “Mashkoor’s persistence and passion have brought him to the pinnacle of art practice.
This collection represents labors of love that have evolved over decades,” he said. He noted the impressive diversity of the showcased pieces, which include some of Raza’s earliest works alongside his latest paintings and national awards. Mashkoor Raza, born in Moradabad, India, in 1948, honed his artistic skills at the Karachi School of Arts under mentors like Rabia and Hajra Zuberi and Mansoor Rahi. Graduating with a gold medal in 1972, Raza later established the Mashkoor School of Art in 1990, passing on his expertise to the next generation. His prolific career has included exhibitions in the USA, UK, Germany, and across Asia, with works held in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. With over two dozen solo shows and prestigious honors including the Pride of Performance in 2007 and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2023, Raza’s influence on Pakistan’s art scene is profound.
