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    The Power of Illusions

    Art Exhibition: The Power of Illusions at Nomad Art Gallery

    Written by: Amna Javed
    Posted on: May 05, 2015 |

    Artworks by M. Ali Bhatti (L) and Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed (R)

    An exhibition of artworks by eminent artistes M. Ali Bhatti from Pakistan and Kazi Salahuddin from Bangladesh opened here at Nomad Art Gallery, Islamabad on Monday 4th May 2015.

    Bhatti explains that he has been immersed in the mystery and emotions of non-objective painting, as he finds it more challenging, exciting and closer to his heart. “I enjoy spontaneity with energetic bold brush strokes and honest expressions,” he said. His art, form and content, is molded with energetic colors and textures that give the illusion of appearance and disappearance of elements within the picture. Ali Bhatti considers painting a moral and social responsibility, and uses it to explore and understand the cultural and spiritual identity. His collection titled, ‘Absurd Illusions’ intends to comment on the current ambiguous and confused nature of society in Pakistan. These paintings are the artists’ response to what he sees and feels about the society where traditional political maneuvering takes center stage and politicians attempt to create illusions in order to fool the innocent citizens. ‘Through my paintings, I have depicted what I feel about the contradictions between traditional feudalism and the absurd perception of democracy in Pakistan.”

    Art Exhibition: The Power of Illusions at Nomad Art Gallery

    M. Ali Bhatti's portrayal of a 'confused' society

    On the other hand, Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed, resident of the old city of Dhaka, attempts to break the stereotype that old Dhaka has become irrelevant and, to some extent, unwanted in the modern day context.  The old city of Dhaka was characterized by a unique urban culture that is best reflected in its architecture. However, with the advent of modernity, the character of the city changed. The traditional way of life that once separated Dhaka from the others is fast diminishing. Through his paintings, the artist has tried to reinvent the old city and has brought the cityscapes onto his canvas in a manner that it shows that Dhaka still has a lot to offer. The form, color and composition adopted by Salahuddin reflect this central theme. The artist commented that he has also incorporated elements from his childhood memories and daily life rituals in his paintings. Immaculately blending these components, Salahuddin has been able to reflect the fantastic rhythm, music, smell and texture of the old city.

    Art Exhibition: The Power of Illusions at Nomad Art Gallery

    Opening day of the exhibiton 'Absurd Illusions' at Nomad

    The opening day of the exhibition brought together foreign dignitaries, local artists and art enthusiasts from across the city to enjoy the thought provoking work by the featured artists. The exhibition will continue at Nomad Art Gallery till 14th May 2015.

    Click to view picture gallery


    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