One could see a visual display of art inviting viewers to see, think and absorb into creative accomplishments at the Drawing Room Gallery (DRG). The art work dipped in the abstraction is the outcome of artistic pursuit of Sonia Chundrigar.
Like different genres of creativity in the domain of film, ceramics, prose and poetry, painting too enjoys potentials of various avenues of expression including realism, semi-realism, abstraction and many others. A creative person is free to opt any mode to submit him/her thoughts through art.
Sonia preferred to endeavour in abstraction. In fact most of the elements in this universe stand as abstract until and unless we attaché some meanings to them. Sometime the gulf stands between the viewer and artist creates an environment of abstraction. Any alien language possesses the state of abstraction for anybody. So the term of abstraction is a relevant one and not the absolute truth.
During the long passage of time creative persons engaged in the art of creativity preferred form of abstraction for their expression in painting or other genres. In Pakistan it was Zubeda Aga who heralded the movement of modern abstraction with her solo exhibition at Karachi in early 50s. It was followed by many artists of eminence like Shakir Ali, Sadequain, Ahmad Pervez, Gulgee, Hanif Ramay, Mansoor Rahi and others. Sonia Chundrigar is the continuity of a long voyage of creativity. She builds structure of her abstraction layer after layer with enamel and oil paints.
The forms created in her individualistic style represent a unique imagery with multifaceted meanings. In some canvases she has distorted figures with the elements of her own imagery. Sometime one may feels difficulty in finding meanings out of such expression. It is however, prerogative of the artist to express herself in a way she deems nearer to her feelings and emotions.
Literaru nucleus:
Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zouq has witnessed a hectic democratic process of electioneering of its office bearers for the next year during the preceding week. As per result Qaim Naqvi, a senior poet along with his panel has won the support of the majority of the members.
Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zouq (HAZ) is one of the oldest literary circles engaged for the promotion of art and literature in the country since its inception on April 29, 1939. Credit goes to Sher Muhammad Akhtar and Naseer Jamaee who in an informal mode decided to have a place for literary interaction at the latter's residence at Luxmi Mansion, Mclode Road Lahore. Initially the title of 'Bazm-e-Dastan Goean' (group of story tellers) was given to the new born set up, which later on converted into its present title. In the beginning it was thought that the Halqa was created to counter the 'Anjaman-e-Taraqi Pasand Musanfin' (ATPM), which was already established in 1936 with the manifesto of progressive writings.
Irrespective of the controversial aspects of the literary circles it is the reality that both ATPM and HAZ played vital role in the promotion, projection and perpetuation of literary and cultural treasure of the sub-continent. Most of the eminent intellectuals and writers of the sub-continent enjoyed the pride and pleasure of having direct or indirect association with this literary nucleus. The literary stalwarts like Saadat Hasan Manto, Meera Jee, Intizar Husain, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Yusuf Zafar, Mukhtar Siddiqi, Mumtaz Mufti, Aga Baber, Ejaz Batalvi, Rehman Muznib, Amjid Altaf, Salahuddin Akbar, Nazir Naji, Shorat Bukhari, Anwar Sajjad, Ahmad Mushtaq remained very close to HAZ. Besides Lahore HAZ has also been very active in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Theatre promotion:
The Lahore Art Council (LAC) popularly known as Alhamra has been engaged in the revival of family oriented theatrical activities based on socio-cultural issues being faced by the people and with the blend of entertainment, education and motivation. In the wake of degenerating theatre filled with filthy substance in some parts of the private sector, the efforts of LAC are indeed commendable.
For the purpose of fostering awareness amongst the children LAC organised a stage play titled 'Jin and Jadoogar' at its premises. It was written by Haseeb Pasha and directed by Munna Lahori. Having seen the play Dr Tanveerul Islam, provincial minister for culture lauded the performance of the artistes and good job offered by the writer and director. He appreciated the LAC for staging plays on socio-cultural issues especially terrorism.
He suggested that stage plays organised at Alhamra should also be travelled to other cities so that art lovers especially kids living in the remote areas should be educated and entertained. Besides kid's theatre LAC also attaches importance to the family oriented plays based on confronting social issues. The instant month witnessed a wonderful classic play titled 'Aadhi Baat' by Bano Qudsia. It was directed by renowned artist Muhammad Qawi Khan associated with Qaiser Javed.
The cast was including Qawi Khan, Tahira Imam, Javed Rizvi, Rabea Durrani, Ali Nader aur Kiran Noor. The play was originally staged thirty year back and had the distinction of numerous re-runs. Due to relevance of its substance the LAC decided to stage it again with Qawi Khan as its director and playing lead character. Being an artist of respectable integrity and director with professional acumen Qawi Khan did not bring his cast on stage until and unless he was confident of a high quality performance after a month long rehearsals.
The story suggests that a happy family needs a culture of tolerance and understanding of each other's domain of responsibilities so that the system of a family could amicably be run. The wonderful performance in the role of retired school teacher by legendary Qawi Khan was highly appreciated by the audience.
LAC staged the play inviting theatre enthusiasts on complementary invitation card. A great rush was seen much before the opening of the shows at Alhamra, which is an evidence of people's love for good theatre in the city. An art lover commented like this 'it would definitely hammer the vulgar and obscene stage plays and instead promote good family oriented theatre activities in the provincial metropolis.'