Renowned painter Dr Ajaz Anwar launched his book of cartoon illustrations and Punjabi text entitled ‘Nae Reesan Sheher Lahore Diyan’ in Islamabad on Thursday.
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of National Heritage and Integration and the House of Nanna trust arranged the book launching ceremony followed by an exhibition of cartoons and water colour paintings based on the theme of the book.
Dr Anwar published the cartoons of his father Dr Anwar Ali who was known for addressing social issues through the medium of cartoon illustrations, while dealing with the subject using symbolic expressions.
Anwar also presented readings from the ‘Reminiscences of Old Lahore’, based on the art and style of Dr Anwar Ali, who contributed political cartoons and later created the ‘Nanna’ character that held a satirical mirror to the society.
He also wrote short stories in English and Punjabi, occasionally illustrated with sketches and photographs.
The display of cartoons was selected from the series ‘Nanna and the Visiting Foreigners’, ‘Art Scapes by Nanna’ and ‘Selected English Articles by Nanna’.
Kishwar Naheed and other literary figures present on the occasion, shared their views about the collection that explored the traditional heritage of Lahore and the lifestyle of its people.
The book contains 50 illustrations and paintings based on social aspects of life in Lahore, including traditional games, sports, food, apparel and other topics.
The exhibition of cartoons and water colour paintings following the same theme also attracted a large number of art lovers and provided glimpses into the architectural beauty and traditional aspects of Lahore.
The exhibition will continue till May 18.
