Indo-Pak artists converge to showcase their 'colours'

Mumbai, Apr 21 (UNI) In an effort to promote solidarity between India and Pakistan, an exhibition of works of artists from both the countries has been put on display here.

The four-day exhibition titled 'Euphonic Palettes: Contemporary Art from India and Pakistan' began here last night, showcasing diverse works of 11 artists from Pakistan and 14 from the host country.

Noted Pakistani painter Guljee, who was a special guest on the occasion, expressed happiness over the coming together of artists and said the event reflected that boundaries could not separate art.

He appreciated that artists of varied experience and geographical boundaries have mixed their experience and learning to show their desire to communicate through their works with the traditional, modern and contemporary worlds.

Naeem, a painter from the neighbouring nation, said the event has given him an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from his counteparts here. He said, ''If our neighbours call us with love, we will come.'' He also said a similar exhibition inviting Indian painters to Pakistan is on the anvil in September.

Meanwhile, at the exhibition some of the paintings depicted Lord Buddha in differnt styles and colours while a few were based on the mood of a person 'waiting for something'.

The exhibition, organised by Delhi-based Nitanjali Art Gallery and ITC Grand Central Sheraton and Towers, was inaugurated last night by Consul General of US Michael S Owens. Noted historian Elizabeth Rogers is the curator for the Indian side of the show with Mr Marjorie Husain as curator for Pakistani artists.

The artists whose works have been put up on display include Ahmed Khan, Ali Azmat, Amiya Bhattacharya, Ela Menon, Arif Khan, Asad Faruki, Gurjeet Singh, Jamil Naqsh, Kishore Roy, Meena Deora, Najmi Sura, Paritosh Sen, R M Naeem, Raja Changez Sultan, Sachindra Nath Jha, Satish Gupta, Shruti Gupta Chandra, Sunil Das and Sujata Dere, among others.

During the inauguration ceremony, Mumbai's high-profile socialities like Haseena Jethmalani, Queenie Dhoody, Nisha Jamwal, Tarun Thadani and Ravi Ghai were present.

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