LAHORE – Renowned painter and old Ravian Dr Ajaz Anwar inaugurated Annual Fine Arts Exhibition at the Government College University (GCU) Lahore Abdus Salam Hall on Monday. He said, “fine arts education should be made mandatory upto Intermediate level as it helps in expanding learning boundaries and gives motivational tools to students to unlock a deeper understanding of their education and life.”
Around 110 art pieces by students and old Ravians were displayed at the Annual Exhibition organised by the university’s Fine Arts Department. The exhibition also housed around 61 paintings including calligraphy, abstract, water colours and pencil drawings. An oil painting of the GCU Main Building remained centre of attraction at the exhibition. The pencil drawings of various celebrities were appreciated by art lovers.
A large number of ceramics and glass work were also part of the exhibition.
Talking to media, Dr Ajaz Anwar said it was heartbreaking that in most Pakistani schools fine arts was separated from the curriculum and instead, offered as recreational activity that was considered beneficial but not essential. He also lamented that most Pakistani colleges, especially of boys, lacked fine arts departments.
GCU Fine Arts Department Chairperson Irfan Ullah Babar said fine arts opened students’ minds in ways that mere reading and writing can never be able to accomplish. He lauded GCU Fine Arts students’ displayed paintings. Later, prizes were distributed among the students whose artwork was on display. Rabiya Azeem from Queen Mary College Lahore secured first position while Komal Asad from Government Girls Gulberg College Lahore and Anum Masood from Fatima Jinnah Girls College Lahore secured second and third prizes respectively.
