President Arts Council Inaugurates Watercolour Exhibition

 By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, inaugurated the watercolour exhibition titled “Legacy in Watercolour… A Master Artist’s Exhibition” at Ocean Art Gallery, Karachi.

Curated by renowned artist Samina Mumtaz, the exhibition featured masterful watercolour artworks by 19 artists from various cities across Pakistan. Participating artists included Samina Mumtaz, Ali Abbas Syed, Muazzam Ali, Ghalib Baqar, G. N. Qazi, Hajra Mansoor, Saima Umar, Momin Khan, Farrukh Naseem, Azra Wahab, Shan Raza Amrohvi, S. M. Naqvi, Owais Ahmed Syeda, Nadia Raza, Ashfaq Ali, Fasih Farooq, Sohaniya Elia, Arusha Javed, and Mushtaq Ali Lashari.

The exhibited artworks reflected a diverse range of themes, including horse riding, feminine beauty, the historic architecture of Lahore, and the ancient tombs of the Chaukhandi graveyard. Prominent figures from the fine arts community were also present at the inauguration.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that while commercial art has become widespread, Ocean Art Gallery continues to play a significant role in promoting serious and meaningful art. He praised the exhibition for presenting outstanding watercolour works and noted that it showcased masterpieces by some of the country’s leading painters, with participation from artists across Pakistan.

He thanked Ocean Art Gallery for inviting him to inaugurate the exhibition and reiterated the Arts Council’s commitment to promoting emerging talent. “The gallery, the Arts Council, and artists together form a triangle that contributes to the growth and development of artists,” he remarked.

Muhammad Ahmed Shah further highlighted that students of the Arts Council’s art school have earned recognition at both national and international levels. However, he pointed out that talented students from areas such as Lyari and Lalu Khait often lack access to mainstream platforms. He added that the Arts Council ensures its students’ works are exhibited at major galleries across Pakistan.

“Our objective is to create opportunities for anyone who wishes to learn, grow, and excel in the field of art,” he concluded.