Exhibition portraying old Lahore opens at Nairang

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

LAHORE: An exhibition of watercolour paintings by Lahore-based artist Aqib Sharif opened at the Nairang Gallery on Tuesday. The artist in the 28 paintings on display has beautifully depicted the surroundings of the old and historical city of Lahore.

The paintings revealed the old Lahore’s socio-economic life. Some of the paintings were of horses, which the artist displayed as a symbol of peace and love. The paintings narrate the history of Lahore in a pictorial form and reflect the socio-cultural realities of the bygone days.

Aqib in his paintings brought out jewel-like intricacies of carvings, mouldings, balconies and doorways even in the most decrepit of structures. His paintings evoked a strong urge to protect, preserve and document the rich cultural legacy of old Lahore.

Aqib has travelled through the narrow lanes of the old city, where old is synonymous with the colonial architecture of the British Raj.

A visitor at the exhibition said the paintings provided an opportunity to see the real image of the old city of Lahore.

“Aqib is playing a magnificent role in reviving the old culture and life of Lahorites through his brush strokes. He has candidly displayed the magic of the traditional values of old Lahore. His works could promote the dying culture to attract tourism,” he added.

Talking about the paintings, Aqib said the exhibition was entirely based on values and traditions of old Lahore, which is called the heart of Pakistan.

“We all must appreciate this rich architecture... and try to convey a message to protect and conserve old buildings and old traditions of the golden era,” Aqib said.

“Such exhibitions are good to highlight life and culture of our own cities. They also help to promote tourism,” a visitor to the exhibition, Maida Ali said. The exhibition would continue until November 5.