LAHORE: In order to revive the old culture and tradition of Lahore, an art exhibition titled ‘House of NANNAs visits Lahore Museum, Festival of Lahore’ was inaugurated at Lahore Heritage Museum (LHM) where watercolour painting by veteran artist Dr Ajaz Anwar and cartoons by Anwar Ali (late) were put on display.
The exhibition was inaugurated by LHM Director Saman Roy and housed a number of people from different walks of life. Almost 28 original paintings and 181 prints of old Lahore by Dr Ajaz Anwar have been displayed in the exhibition along with the work of cartoonist Anwar Ali.
While talking to Pakistan Today, a student of National College of Arts, Zahida Batool said, “Dr Ajaz Anwar has gorgeously created the vivid memories of Lahore by using watercolours. Dr Anwar is more than an artist; he is also a historian, who has brilliantly documented the culture.”
Aftaab Bukhari, a professor, commented, “The artist has preserved the history and culture of Lahore through his work. His work helps to promote the socio-cultural traditions and folk heritage of Pakistan. His paintings also highlight the difference of the urban and rural civilisation in the context of old Lahore.”
A student of Government College University, Ahsan Haider was of the opinion, “Dr Ajaz Anwar is the most senior artist with immense knowledge and expertise in the areas of art education and practice. He has specialised in the genre of cityscape. His paintings speak about the different localities and gates of old Lahore and narrated the wander around these areas. His paintings also focus on the culture and the change in the environment due to the development of the city.”
A visitor, Ehtsham Nawaz, while talking about the cartoons by Anwar Ali, said, “The caricature sketches reflect the political and social issues in the society of 60s and 70s which are still relevant in this modern age.”
While talking to Pakistan Today, Ajaz Anwar said, “I have displayed my solo exhibition at Tollinton after a gap of 15 years. Earlier, I had exhibited my work at the same venue in 2004. We are trying to revive the old culture of Lahore through this exhibition which will continue till April 8.”
