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    Summer Moods: Paintings, Prints & Calligraphy at Nomad Gallery

    Written by: Sana Shahid
    Posted on: June 17, 2016 |

    Calligraphy by M.A. Bukhari

    Summer Moods: Paintings, Prints & Calligraphy at Nomad Gallery

    Abrar Ahmed's artwork

    On the morning of Thursday, 16th June, Nomad Gallery inaugurated Summer Moods, a group show by renowned Pakistani artists from various fields, including Abrar Ahmed, Anjum Ayub, M.A. Bukhari, Samina Ali Akhter, Sumera Jawad, and Tayyaba Aziz. Summer Moods is not merely an exhibition, but an expression of moods portrayed through abstract and figurative forms, vibrant colors, diverse concepts, and captivating compositions. Each art piece tells a story of how the artists have worked tirelessly to create magic on the canvas.

    Abrar Ahmed is a self-taught artist who has managed to make a name for himself in the international arena. His works are a reflection of early miniature paintings where the female form was highly stylized, with elongated necks and articulate hand gestures. He possesses a special talent in traditional miniature techniques, and makes use of additional elements such as birds, flowers and the moon.

    Summer Moods: Paintings, Prints & Calligraphy at Nomad Gallery

    Printwork by Anjum Ayub

    “Being a female painter reflects my life”, Anjum Ayub comments on her art. She is a printmaker with an exceptionally gifted pair of hands. She has inculcated different textures in her artworks, making them look like paper engravings. Other than the granular appearance, the well-balanced compositions represent the creative mind of the artist who has succeeded in pouring out her inner feelings to the surface.

    Arabic Calligraphy, considered by many as the purest form of art, creates a positive ambiance wherever it is displayed. M.A. Bukhari’s Ism-e-Azam compositions steal the spotlight of the event, presenting a lyrical Arabic script. The aesthetic use of colors, creating abstract patterns in the background, adds a new depth to his works and makes the calligraphic letters pop out of the compositions. Bukhari has created his own distinctive style by designing a scalpel-like pen to engrave letters into the various layers of his knife paintings.

    Samina Ali Akhter takes a trip down memory lane, showcasing long lost historical stories preserved in books and museums. In addition to keeping history alive, she believes in discovering one’s own perspective of historical events and giving it a pictorial language. She introduces a unique outlook to her viewers, keeping them engaged through a fusion of historical and contemporary art.

    Summer Moods: Paintings, Prints & Calligraphy at Nomad Gallery

    Sumera Jawad's artwork

    Sumera Jawad unveils her own perspective on the world and its happenings. The focus of her work is on females and their lives, and she exposes her personal vision by rendering it onto the canvas. “I don’t like painting people if I don’t know anything about them”, says Sumera, pointing out that she does a lot of research on her subjects before starting her work.

    Tayyaba Aziz describes her work as a combination of abstract expressionism and cubism. Her oil paintings are a comparison of past and present experiences. The blend of subtle colours with the imagery is flawless and soothing for the eyes. “Time is what keeps everything from happening at once. We always compare our present experiences to our dim memories of past experiences. I show psychological time in a complex manner – it tangles in a drapery of past experiences.”

    Summer Moods: Paintings, Prints & Calligraphy at Nomad Gallery

    Visitors observing Tayyaba Aziz's paintings

    Nomad Gallery has proven its consistency by maintaining the flow of exhibitions even during the month of Ramadan, while respecting the time limitations of the month. It is an admirable feat that demonstrates the team’s devotion towards the promotion of art. Summer Moods is yet another example of the top-notch work being done in Pakistan in the fields of painting, prints and calligraphy. The show will continue till the end of June from 10 am to 5 pm.


    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