Innovating with Tradition – Contemporary Art Exhibition

High Commission for Pakistan Wellington

PRESS RELEASE

In commemoration with 68th Independence Day of Pakistan, High Commission organized a contemporary miniature Art exhibition of Pakistan, “Innovating with Tradition” in Pataka Art Gallery in Porirua, Wellington on 14th August 2014. The exhibition will be open to public free of charge till 14 September 2014.

Mayor of Porirua City Mr. Nick Leggett, himself an ardent art enthusiast, officially launched the Exhibition. The opening ceremony was attended by more than 120 people, including diplomatic community members; Government officials; local artists, painters, art lovers; as well as Pakistani / Indian community based in New Zealand.

This first ever exhibition in New Zealand devoted to contemporary miniature art from Pakistan provides a look on recent and current trends in the art scene of Pakistan. High Commissioner for Pakistan in New Zealand H.E. Ms. Zehra Akbari has described the exhibition as a window on the rich artistic heritage of Pakistan. The traditional miniature art of the Mughal period (1526-1857) has been reinvented into a new art style in Pakistan. This unique exhibition scans the substance and essence of the contemporary miniature art from Pakistan.

The artists whose work is on display include: Hajra Mansur, Afshan Yousaf, Beenish Khalid, Sundas Matloob Rana, Sakina Akbar, Kausar Iqbal, Najam Kazmi, Mussarat Nahid Imam and Shahid Toosy. A close view of the 32 works by nine artists gives a clear sense of the radical transformation from the traditional to post-modern.

Wellington August 14, 2014