Terrorism and sectarian violence in Pakistan has stunted the growth of arts and culture. In the recent past, things have started to look up. Pakistan is a county with an immense talent pool of artists. Our homegrown talent is bringing new perspectives to their work, however the tradition of mentorship is lost and a platform to display that work remains missing.
International Steels Limited(ISL) has a created a distinct platform for emerging artists in Pakistan. The program began on July 22nd, 2017 in Karachi. The program has been designed as a residency for emerging artists to be mentored by Pakistan’s leading veteran artists. The mentors include Amin Gulgee, who has been awarded the President’s Pride of Performance Award and has been acknowledged as Pakistan’s most influential sculptors by MoMA.;AsmaMundrawala, who is as assistant professor at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and Munawar Ali Syed, who is one of Pakistan’s most prominent artists.
This is an excellent opportunity for our emerging talent to not only learn from the modern masters but to also bring their work to the public. ISL has collaborated with Sameera Raja and Canvas Art Gallery to provide this platform. The emerging artists in the residency include Safdar Ali, AamirHabib, FahimRao, EhsanMemon, YasirVayani and MahbubJhokio.
This is an excellent initiative taken by ISL in the patronage and promotion of local art and artists. Upon conclusion of the residency, an open day will be held where these budding artists will display their work at the ISL premises.
Speaking on the program, Samir Chinoy, Director Sales and Marketing ISL, said“As the pioneering flat steel manufacturers in Pakistan, we seek to promote art through enabling and empowering emerging local artists. Through this Residency, we wish to incubate talent, driving collaboration and providing a space for the mentoring of new artists, along with creating an environment supportive for art to flourish”.
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