Islamic art exhibition concludes

ISLAMABAD: The solo exhibition on Islamic art exploring Muslim heritage by Rana Riaz Ahmed concluded here Sunday at National Art gallery.

The show portrayed a collection of 32 exquisite calligraphy paintings presenting a mosaic of technique, style and colour to provide the art lovers with opportunity to enjoy the glimpses of the heritage of Muslim Ummah.

The exhibition entitled "Dot to Design" featured beautiful calligraphy which serves as the art of writing which earned a unique status in the creative sphere.

The artist also donated an exquisite piece of his calligraphic art to the National Art Gallery of Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

Rana Riaz Ahmed is amongst those practitioners of calligraphic painting who are known for their distinct and convincing expression.

Though, he has been in the sphere for quite some time but it was only in 1990s when he took it up serious and devoted himself to excel and introduce a technique "Pointillism" never viewed before in the art of calligraphy.

He paints in layer by employing tiny dots thus adding luminosity to his elegantly composed compositions based on Quranic verses and the Holy names of Allah Almighty.

The textures created by applying layer upon layer of colours and dots add mystical element to his painting. There is an element of mystery, spiritualism, magnificence and elegance.

The Holy Book "Al-Quran" is the finest manifestation of this art expression as the Muslims from the time immemorial have produced exquisite examples.

The practitioners of this traditional art form are involved exploring and introducing new dimensions thus innovating styles which are acceptable and appreciated in the contemporary disciplines.

The show was organized by PNCA, Ministry of Information andBroadcasting for promotion of the unique visual symbology to inspire many and generate interest amongst the youth to explore new and varied dimensions of calligraphic art form.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011