Recently, the Clifton Art Gallery was the site of Baad-e-Saba (Gentle Breeze), an exhibition of paintings by artists from Sindh, but the 180 artworks displayed, were more than a ‘gentle breeze’. Together, the art pieces created an experience that was a delight to behold

The International Watercolour Association, CEAD, The Centre of Excellence in Art and Design, MUET, in Sindh, hosted an event for watercolourists from many different parts of the world, and it was a joyous event, with artists working together on a huge mural, and enjoying the folk art, music and traditional folk dances of the region.

At the end of the event, the Director of CEAD, Professor Dr. Bhai Khan Shah and Dr Abdul Aleem Lashari, with the concurrence of the Culture Department, Government of Sindh, arranged an exhibition of work to be shown introducing artists, known and the newcomers, from throughout the region of Sindh. In the event the city art lovers were introduced to an exciting introduction of brilliant young artists, Masters of the future.

Altogether one hundred and eighty paintings were shown, and the varying media and viewpoints made a fascinating study for art enthusiasts.

The exhibition was officially opened by the Minister, Culture Department Government of Sindh, but to view the work in depth, one visited the gallery early when a few artists were there and one could move around the gallery freely. It was interesting to view the work of the young artists, previously unseen, and also to view the great work of artists such as the modest genius Abdul Hayee, who never misses an exhibition. He was one of Karachi’s earliest water-colourists from the days of Mansur’s Rahi’s introduction to watercolour to his students, and he makes a point to encourage the young artists of the present times by visiting their exhibitions. A.S.Rind also participated as did Nahid Raza, the first artist to paint Chawkandi tombs.

Farrukh Shahab also participated along with other distinguished artists, and from the generation of the recent decade, the acclaimed artist Abdul Jabbar Gul also participated. He is an artist whose work has been acclaimed in several countries, and he retains his humility and love of his work. Regarding the senior artists, the successful artists and their teachers, one realises it is the love of art that is at the heart of every true artist, and there is no commercialism in their choice of a way of life. They paint because they have to create and sadly we lack the museums to show the work for future generations.

Arriving early to view the work, one discovered several young artists anxiously viewing their work to ensure it was properly hung, and one had the opportunity to talk with the artists about their work and future plans.

Each artist contributed one artwork, and one really enjoyed exploring each individual, excellent work of art. There were Mountains and traditional landscapes, portraits and architecture. One found traditions and modern movements. There were busy streets and a quiet countryside, unfortunately too many artworks to give individual descriptions, but one hopes that many art lovers had the opportunity to visit the show, and select work which was incredibly affordable. In fact the event offered every visitor who enjoys art the opportunity to buy an artwork. The work of the young, unknown and often brilliant artist’s were indeed very modestly priced.

A closing ceremony with a musical programmed was held at the National Museum, Burns Road on April 8 but sadly coincided with the ending of the Art Festival that had taken place at the Beach Luxury. One would have been happy to have had the Baad-e-saba exhibition run for a longer period so that all the art enthusiasts could visit but one will be looking out for many of the young artists from areas of Sindh for future events. •