Pakistani artists showcase work

The works of 17 well-known Pakistani artists, including the calligraphic artist of the Prophet’s Mosque Shafiq Al Zaman, featured in the exhibition “Turathuna” (Our Heritage) at the Ana Ghair Mall. The exhibition was inaugurated by Princess Jawaher bint Majed and Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Pakistan's religious affairs minister, on Tuesday.
“I always admire the work and identity of Muslim artists. It’s a pleasure to have Pakistani artists in our home. It’s a great opportunity for me to inaugurate this exhibition of wonderful art and meet the great artists,” said Princess Jawaher.
She said the artists of both countries have many things in common. “It would be a great success if such exhibitions are organized both ways. I would be very glad and happy if such an opportunity is given to Saudi artists to display their works in Pakistan,” she said.
She said efforts should be made to preserve Islamic heritage of the Muslim world, because “we cannot expect to be known abroad if we do not know our own countries.”
Shah hoped the exhibition would help strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Islamic heritage art work is the best medium of dialogue.
“The artwork of Pakistani artists will create a philosophical relationship between us and Saudi Arabia, and we wish the same efforts are undertaken to showcase Saudi artists’ works in Pakistan. This will improve mutual understanding and strengthen cultural and business relations,” said Shah.
Pakistan's Ambassador Naeem Khan said the exhibition displayed the common heritage of both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as Islamic calligraphy traveled to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and was well nourished.
“We enjoy a lot of common things in our culture, the work of the very best artists of Arabic calligraphy are displayed here. We also brought Pakistani traditional handmade wooden furniture, jewelry and miniature art to showcase our culture and to promote Pakistani products. I hope this will help in bringing the two countries closer,” said Khan.
He also said that Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister for commerce & industry, would visit Pakistan to a attend a joint commission meeting on Sept. 26-27. A meeting of businessmen from both countries was also planned.
Mohammed Salem Ba-Junaid, famous Saudi calligrapher, expressed his wish to take part in a joint venture with Pakistani artists. “Arabic calligraphy is one which can be beautified in different forms through different shades,” said Ba-Junaid.
“This exhibition is displaying vibrant and distinctive features of Islamic art and crafts. It is a continuation of the calligraphic exhibition, which was held in Jeddah last year. Such events will help portray a positive image of Islam to people of all faiths,” said Abdul Salik Khan, Pakistan's consul general. “The purpose behind the exhibition is to build and strengthen Islam’s image among people of all faiths, and promote cultural ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” he said.
To introduce calligraphy by Pakistani artists to Arabic and English-speaking audiences, the consulate will publish a book under the title “Alla’ma bil Qalam”. Darussalam will print the book. It will be launched during the first week of October in Makkah, the consul general said.
Khan thanked Princess Jawaher for her continuous support for and sponsorship of the exhibition.
The exhibition is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., and again from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sept. 26-27 at Ana Ghair Mall. The map of the venue and more details about the exhibition are available at www.expoturathuna.com.