Pakistan's art exhibition opens in Minsk

The exhibition about Pakistan will introduce Belarusians to Pakistan's traditional and contemporary art, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan to Belarus Sajjad Haider Khan said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Contemporary Art of Pakistan” at the National Library of Belarus. The exhibition is timed to the 75th anniversary of Pakistan's independence, BelTA has learned.

“It is a great pleasure for me to welcome our distinguished guests at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, which is being held in collaboration with the National Library of Belarus as part of the Independence Day of Pakistan celebrations. I am glad to see government officials, friends and colleagues from the Belarusian side, diplomats and journalists,” the ambassador said.

This year Pakistan is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its independence. “Pakistan is only 75 years old but the preserved history of this land dates back to 7000 years BC. Situated at the ever-shifting fault lines between empires, the land of modern day Pakistan has remained at the heart of regional geopolitics, and a melting pot, with cross fertilization among cultures and arts over many millennia,” the diplomat noted.

“Pakistan is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society. It has a rich history in all visual arts including painting, architecture, textiles, decorative art, and sculpture,” Sajjad Haider Khan said.

The exhibition features artworks by three Pakistani artists. “It is an honor for us to showcase the calligraphic works by a promising Pakistani calligrapher, Ayesha Kamal, who indeed deserves deep appreciation for having flown all the way to Minsk for participation. In her unique style, she employs silver leaves to lay her reflective imagination and draws inspiration from early Islamic texts,” the ambassador said.

The second component of the exposition features masterpieces of world-renowned Pakistani artist, the late Sadequian (1923-1987). This prolific painter hailed from the school of artists who have combined the traditional Islamic art within contemporary artwork.

Noreen Sajid is the third Pakistani artist whose paintings are on display at this exhibition. Her works with bright colors in broad brushstrokes on canvas reflect the hues and forms of everyday life in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a land of gushing rivers, towering mountains, fertile land, significant coastline and enchanting beauty. Thus, we have also put on display a few photographs of the iconic landscapes of Pakistan,” the diplomat noted.

He added that the exhibition marks the opening of a small Pakistani Book Corner at the National Library.

“I am sure that today's undertaking will give our guests some rare insights into Pakistan's culture and further enrich the understanding about Pakistan,” the ambassador concluded.