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Archive for the ‘South Asian Art’ Category
Indus Valley Civilisation - another discovery
There is more to the Indus valley civilization than we think.
“The discovery of rare objects during an excavation expedition in Cholistan desert by local and foreign archaeologists have raised hopes of presence of ruins identical to that of Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
A rare seal of copper, a terracotta block, three wedge-shaped bricks, pottery with distinct potter marks and four unicorns (a mythical animal) were dug out from the dried-out channel of the Hakra river by a team of archaeologists …”Â
Read full entry here
M F Husain’s woes
M.F. Husain, India’s best known painter is under threat from the guardians of public and national morality. This eccentric, 91 year old painter should be left in peace with his fantasies and creative outbursts.
Rightwing groups have called for the arrest of Husain, whose flowing white locks and beard, and habit of walking barefoot, have become iconic in Indian art circles.
Read the story here.
This reminded me yet again of Fahmida Riaz’s poem - Tum bilkul hum jaisey nikley.
Threatened Ancient Buddhist Stone Carvings
Some 35,000 petroglyphs located in Pakistan’s Indus River area will soon be flooded by a giant dam. An archeologist from Heidelberg is trying to save as much as he can before encroaching modernity destroys the remote area’s cultural history. Read article >>
The Clay Bird
A moving tale of a young boy and his family trapped in the circumstances of rural Bangladesh and the turmoil of late 1960s. Read article here >>
Public Sculptures of Lahore - cross posted at All Things Pakistan
I am glad that Adil Najam posted my piece on the public sculptures of Lahore on his blog - All Things Pakistan. It was good to read the comments as well. Full entry here >>
Blue Kashi Work of Multan
The history of Multani arts and crafts also goes back to medieval period. Kashi work the glazing and hand painting of ceramic products is an important art for which Multan is famous all over the world. -Guest post by SAJ Shirazi
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Delighted to have found this video. An effortless, magic piece for those who appreciate the nuances of subcontinental classic music. Click here >>
Another image of Amrita Shergil’s work
This is a rich, sensuous and haunting work capturing the mood of 1930s (perhaps) and telling the story in a Western format adapted by a genius. Full entry here >>
On Gandhara Art
The Buddhist art of Gandhara influenced Indian art and sensibilities and also that of the entire Buddhist world. Full entry here >>
Amrita Shergil - the immortal artist
 I only wish that I could visit the Tate Modern in London to experience the sheer beauty of Amrita Shergil’s work. She lived a full life and like many gifted people died at the age 28. Such a dazzling life… Full article here >>
Karachi - “Bright Lights”
Each time one visits Karachi the sprawling metropolis seems more run down. Crumbling infrastructure, notwithstanding the recent improvements, and a sense of neglect are apparent to any visitor.
More Images from Lahore by Artist Mahboob Ali
Mahboob Ali, the only woodcut artist of Pakistan has sent me more images of his works.
The Hala Potter
During my recent visit to Hala in Sindh, we stole a few moments of that sunny afternoon to spend time with a traditional potter. Hala’s pottery is famous for its exquisite designs and motifs. View here >>
Lahore Jharokas
“Anwar Pasha, an architect, has sketched the architecture of Sikh-era houses to take the viewers on a journey through the architecture of the past. He has focused on Jharokas and balconies. He said he wanted to save the dying architecture of the old buildings.”
Read the full story here
Striking Prints from a young Pakistani artist
 I finally got hold of the digital images of some lovely prints by Samar Ataullah - a graduate of the National College of Arts, Lahore.
Thoughts on Basant from a reader
Zia from Islamabad writes: Read it here >>
Basant Moods - Lahore and Beyond
Lahore skies must be covered with kites today. Basant is the most loved public event. A newspaper report said:
 ”you’re either here or you’re a square - Lahore to host biggest ever Basant celebrations today..”
Tonight, So there will be fun and frolic all day long and shall continue into the early hours of the morning. There have been efforts to ban the event due to the dangers it poses to human life. But the Courts and the government relented.
