Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Tuesday organised a painting exhibition based on the heritage of Rawalpindi by a young artist, Naveed Akhtar. MNA Tahira Aurangzeb inaugurated the exhibition which was attended by Naheed Manzoor, Waqar Ahmed and a large number of people from the twin cities. About 27 art pieces regarding heritage of Rawalpindi and abstract paintings were kept on display in the exhibition. Artist Naveed Akhtar has secured bachelors in Fine Arts from Peshawar University. He feels satisfied while roaming about in the streets of Rawalpindi and absorbing the images of historical buildings, common life in his eyes and then converts them into canvas.
The artist uses oil and water paint and brush to give birth to the images of the streets of Rawalpindi where he spent his childhood. His paintings on historical buildings reflect Pak- India architecture. He has portrayed human feelings in abstract painting. This is his first-ever exhibition in 10 years of his struggle and love for art. “Rawalpindi Arts Council encouraged and provided me a platform to present my work in front of people, for which I am obliged,” Naveed Akhtar said.
He said that an artist needed only appreciation from people and support from government which keep one’s art alive.
After the inaugural ceremony, Naheed Manzoor said that it is the need of the time to explore new talent such as Naveed Akhtar and provide them opportunity to reveal themselves. Tahira Aurangzeb said that Naveed Akhtar is son of Rawalpindi which he depicted in his paintings. She said the Punjab government was backing the artists very much. ‘I will talk to the Punjab government to help Naveed Akhtar so that he could continue his work uninterruptedly,” she said and added that love for art must be for presenting positive image of the country worldwide.
