LAHORE: (Sunday, August 20, 2023): In connection with the Pakistan’s 76th Independence anniversary Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with ForArtSake curated by Amna I Pataudi and Dr Rahat Naveed Masood hosted a solo exhibition of paintings and drawings by renowned artist and Punjab University’s Assistant Professor Ali Azmat.

The exhibition was inaugurated by President of Pakistan Mr Arif Alvi and his wife Begum Samina Arif Alvi. In his address, Arif Alvi quoted “Quaid-e-Azam gifted us Pakistan after an epic struggle for which people paid a heavy price, many with their lives. While we can be proud of achievements we made as a nation. I do feel that there are some areas where we could do better”. Begum Samina Arif Aliv, first lady of Pakistan who appreciated the artist’s contribution to the promotion of art and culture in the country.

This travelling exhibition was shown before in Lahore and will be taken to Gilgit next. Through his works Ali Azmat adds color, aesthetics, and takes up the responsibility to bring clarity and awareness in the larger political landscape of the country. Ali Azmat has accomplished this feat remarkably well in his works. As you walk from one painting to another, you can see how brilliantly Azmat Ali captures the changing expressions of the Quaid’s visage. He has a benign smile in one, changes into mild bewilderment in the next, looks melancholy sometimes, and disappointed in others. The repertoire of expressions is as rich as the colorful strokes of the artist. His works reflect his love for nature, history, spirituality as well as his social commentary on contemporary issues. He uses various mediums and techniques, such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, collage and mixed media to create his unique style.

Ali Azmat quoted during his speech at the opening ceremony “The affection displayed in these paintings not only expresses my love for our leader but also serves as a humble effort to keep this love alive in the hearts of future generations. As for how successful my efforts have been, I leave that judgment to the observers”, he further added. The show was heavily visited by a large number of audience including artists, students, VIPs, Government officials, press & media etc. A large number of students also visited the show and interviewed the artists about their techniques and art practices.