Discover the Rising Stars: "5 Sirius" Exhibition Unveiled at Gallery 6 Islamabad

Islamabad- 26 April 2024 (Adnan Hameed) : "5 Sirius" opens at Gallery 6 Islamabad today (Friday 26 April). The exhibition is featuring the five winners of the prestigious national biennial "Arjumand Painting Award 2023”. Initiated by Gallery 6 in 2015, this award aims to identify and celebrate the most promising emerging Pakistani artists who demonstrate exceptional skills and remarkable abilities in the field of painting. Not only does it provide a platform for commendation and recognition, but it also serves as a launchpad for those artists who exhibit brilliance in their work and show the potential to make significant contributions to the art world. The 5th edition of the APA took place in November 2023, with the winning artists receiving cash prizes totaling over one million Rupees. Appropriately named "sirius" after the brightest star in the night sky, the five Sirius artists featured in the exhibition are Quratulain Dar (1st Prize), Safwan Bashir (2nd Prize), Sadia Rathore (3rd Prize), and Bazil Habib and Imran Mughal, both awarded Merit Prizes. Artist - Quratulain Dar, a graduate of Punjab University College of Art & Design, is currently pursuing an MPhil in Cultural Studies at NCA, Lahore. Her work delves into the intricacies of gender dynamics and power structures within societal frameworks. Drawing inspiration from urban lower-middle-income environments, Quratulain's paintings present a compelling narrative that challenges existing norms and perceptions. Through a blend of fact and fiction, she creates thought-provoking visuals that reflect her personal experiences and observations from her upbringing in Gujranwala. Artist - Safwan Bashir, specializing in miniature painting from NCA, Rawalpindi, explores the evolving relationship between humanity and nature in his artwork. His captivating miniatures, presented in large sizes, utilize gudrung opaque watercolors to breathe life into his thought-provoking narratives. Safwan's intricately crafted artworks serve as mirrors, reflecting society's increasing detachment from the natural world amidst growing materialism. Through his work, he prompts viewers to contemplate their place within the universe and their responsibility towards preserving the environment. Artist-Sadia Rathore, graduate of the University of Balochistan and with a background in miniature painting from NCA Lahore, draws upon her Baloch heritage for inspiration in her artwork. Her paintings not only showcase remarkable technical skills but also serve as a testament to her dedication to highlighting the plight of carpet weaver children in her society. Through her art, Sadia explores the complex layers of truth surrounding issues such as child labor in carpet-making, shedding light on societal injustices and advocating for change. Artist - Bazil Habib, a recent graduate from NCA Lahore, focuses on the emotional impact of color in his artwork. His compositions, characterized by dynamic and chaotic interplays of color, seek to evoke visceral responses from viewers. Inspired by urban nightscapes and saturated colors found in night photography, Bazil's work invites viewers into a dialogue on human complexity and the fragmented nature of identity. Artist - Imran Mughal, specializing in textile art from the University of the Punjab, draws upon a diverse range of influences in his artistic practice. From folklore to pop art, Imran's work is a fusion of cultural norms and emotional expressions. Advocating for multiculturalism and diversity, he challenges established beliefs and norms to unlock new creative potentials. Through his art, Imran seeks to inspire a deeper understanding of the human experience and the vast potential for creativity within it. These five artists represent the brightest talents in the Pakistani art scene, and their works showcased in the "5 Sirius" exhibition are sure to captivate art enthusiasts with their depth, innovation, and thought-provoking narratives. Art lover can visit the exhibition from 11 am to 7 pm till 01 May.