Hundreds of Kalash people including men, women, girls, boys and children thronged the venue of the closing ceremony of the festival which included procession, collective dancing and praying for the safety and security of the people of the valley.

Unlike the past couple of years, a good number of foreigners had come to watch the festival. Tough security measures were adopted by the security forces to avoid any untoward incident.

As per tradition, more than ten couples announced their marriage on the occasion, a local Kalash leader Guruk said.

(Dawn)

The black-and-white pictures on display take the viewer on a journey of the eminent sculptor’s creative pursuits. They try and analyse his creations with such insight that it almost gives a firsthand experience of witnessing Sajjad’s artworks.

The most distinct feature of the show is the single lines taken from known Urdu couplets assigned to each exhibit. The lines, picked by none other than poet Zehra Nigah, serve as the caption for the artist’s works as well as illustrate, albeit subtly, the thought behind the whole endeavour.

While lines from the great Urdu poets such as Meer Taqi Meer, Sauda, Yagana and Faiz are no less engaging, it is Ghalib’s poetry that dominates the scene, for understandable reasons. Shahid Sajjad is a Ghalib buff (he may not concede that, though).

And Arif Mahmood knows very well the co-relation between the artist he has photographed and Urdu poetry. One of Arif Mahmood’s remarkable achievements in the exhibition is a piece captioned Haath ki jitni lakeerein theen rag-i-jaan ho gaeen.

The photographer has intelligently been able to capture Shahid Sajjad’s interpretation of the line and has at the same time construed that in his (Arif’s) own style.

The texture of Sajjad’s work can be readily felt in the grab.Apart from that, an image in which one of this writer’s favourite lines Wamandagi-i-shauq tarashey hai panahein — again by Ghalib — has been used is very astutely shot by the photographer. The inherent frenzy in Shahid Sajjad’s work becomes artistically oblique but not beyond grasp.

A large piece in which the sculptor’s profile is seen with his creations captioned Lazim hai ke hum bhi dekheinge sums up the display rather well.

The exhibition will remain open till May 29.

(Dawn)

The Sindh culture department has organised a seminar on the occasion, and other special events to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the National Museum, on the museum premises. Sindh culture minister Sassui Palijo will be the chief guest.

The exhibition will be open to public from May 18 to 30.

(Dawn)

The stage was an emblem of a dreamy ambiance. The lavender of tulips, roses and marigolds bedecked on and around the stage had some heady fragrance. The flags of centuries old friends on each side of the stage were explicit of the pride of two nations and the trust they have in each other. The audience was a delighted mix of Chinese and Pakistani folks. The organisers, as a token of love, distributed tulips to the audience.

The gala was organised by Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab under a youth exchange programme between the two countries.

The opening performance of the night was by Rahe-e-Danish School, Cantonment. The young performers presented a boogie to greet their Chinese friends. The catchy performance was followed by four dance sequences by National Performing Arts Group of the Pakistan National Council of Arts.

The first of four dances was peacock dance. Though it’s a traditional dance, it has not lost its charm when it shows the peacock preening in its glory till it weeps upon seeing its unadorned feet.

The next performance was based on the tragic story of ‘Anarkali’. The dance left many a heart burning for the performance had a considerable emotional push. The immortal Sufi classic of Amir Khusro ‘Aaj Rang Hai’, was the third performance by the Pakistani regiment of dancers. Carrying the mystic flavour the performance won a thunderous clap from the audience.

Kathak, the art of story telling through dance, was performed by Zakria Iqbal to the tunes of Raag Bageshri. Naila Riaz, the esteemed Kathak exponent and teacher at Alhamra Art Academy of Performing Arts, did the paranth, which is reciting the dance syllables as per tradition.

The last performance from the Pakistani side was a dance titled ‘Dawn to Dusk’, a dance depicting the hardworking life of peasants and expression of joy on a good harvest. It was a catchy upbeat presentation.

The artistes from China Youth Delegation, a striking contrast of finest music and dance left many in awe with some captivating and exhilarating performances. China opened its show on a high note, presenting a dance based on a unique idea. The
presentation was based on a story of a calligrapher who holding a painting brush in hand reveals his story of creation through canvass. The performance was a nice amalgamation of visual and performing arts. It was followed by a melodious instrumental
rendition by a female Chinese artiste. Clad in a ravishing red dress, the lady played on three traditional Chinese music instruments and it was a treat for music fanciers. The music frenzy followed a lovely dance by another Chinese lady that was
traditional in spirit and embedded in Chinese culture.

The evening concluded on a fine note, as a Chinese and a Pakistani singer together sung Dil Dil Pakistan.

(Dawn)

Incoming search terms:

• al hamra chinese show 16th may 2012 (1)

And in this spirit, Iram Wani and Aleem Dad have put together a collection of some of their best works of print in the latest exhibition at the art gallery. For Aleem Dad, the work is more about the process rather than the outcome. “The process varies and as you start a print and develop it through each stage, it changes and takes a form of its own,” he explained.

“So even if the process is copied and repeated, the outcome will be unique each time and this makes each piece in the current
exhibition the only one of its kind,” he added.

Dad developed serious interest in print making after he participated in a print workshop at Swansea, North Wales and enjoyed the separation from the turbulence of Pakistan that it afforded him. “My works are introspective and an effort to discover myself, away from the overtones of our overwhelming surroundings,” explained the polite and pleasant Dad.

Dad has “created a body of work which introspectively remains true to his previous concerns,” explained his artist statement.

A similarly quiet and jovial Iram agreed with Dad and explained that for her the very motions involved in print-making are a source of release for her energy. “Every thought and every movement is inter-connected,” and for Iram each muscular move to manually determine each centimetre of her print is part of the process. And so her prints are a lot more organic in nature. “I always go back to nature as the source of my inspiration. The objects and colors from my environment are the symbols of my thought process,” she explained.

While like Dad, introspection was also driving the content of Iram’s work, each one of her piece was connected with the other one to create a series. “My work is an autonomous activity. The ensuing images are a dialogue with the past, the present and the future,” explained Iram.

(Dawn)

22 – 24 May 2012

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center

Held under the patronage of

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

Chairman, Dubai Airports

Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group

It’s a well-known fact that airports worldwide have played a pivotal role in promoting trade, commerce and business. The same also holds true for the Airports in Middle East, who have shown tremendous resolve to promote their countries’ economies linking vital trade routes and fostering growth and prosperity. The Airport Show 2012 being held in Dubai, UAE promises to be one of the biggest events in the Middle East. This Event, which is now biennial is all set to attract the luminaries of the airport industry from airport construction companies, to technology and services and many more.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the Airport Show is supported by leading international industry associations and local government authorities. The Airport Show offers an unmatched combination of high-quality networking and business development opportunities through a series of roundtable discussions, innovation and project seminars as well as the Hosted Buyer programme.

Take off for the world’s most dynamic airports’ market. The world converges at the Airport Show 2012!

Exhibitor Profile

Suppliers of equipment and services covering all areas of airport development and operations:

Security

Access and perimeter control, CCTV, surveillance systems, x-ray and detection systems, and security training & consultancy.

Ground support equipment

Aircraft handling, baggage carts (pallets, cargo loaders, ULDs), passenger stairs and lifts, and utility vehicles and catering equipment.

Supply

Baggage and passenger handling, and terminal interiors.

Airport revenue management

From flight charges to shopping facilities.

Design & build

Planning, design, architecture, construction, and building materials.

Technology

Information technology and software, lighting, passenger information, and technical installations & systems.

Air traffic management

ATC towers, mobile control towers, communications, data processing systems, consoles, enclosures, landing systems and navigational aids.

Operations

Maintenance, management and related services, and aircraft services.

Training & recruitment

For all aspects of airport operation, such as air traffic control and security.

Why Exhibit ?

Join your fellow industry players. Participate at the Airport Show 2012 and take advantage of the many benefits available exclusively to our valued exhibitors.

• Showcase your products and services to your target audience
• Networking with key decision makers
• Gain market knowledge and latest project insights
• Generate new business opportunities through our Hosted Buyer Programme 
• Source out investments and potential partners
• Benchmark yourself as an industry leader
• Attend the Innovation and Project Seminars

“Our participation at the Airport Show 2011 provided great business opportunities. The event brings together a large number of veterans in the airport industry from around the world and, undoubtedly, this platform provides great opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and keep abreast of the latest developments in modern airports. The exhibition has attracted participants from across the world reinforcing its position as an international event.”
Eng. Mohamed Ahmed Abed, Director General of king Abdul Aziz International Airport and General Supervisor of the new airport project

“Airports in the 21^st century are playing an important role in developing new cities which is similar to the impact roads, ports and railways have had in the past. The aviation industry represents 36% of the global transport industry.”
Leonardo Zambitte, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Dubai World Central

Click here to view exhibitor testimonial videos.

Participating Countries

Algeria, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Tunisia, UAE, UK and the US.

Supporters

Participation Contract

To download participation contract, click here.

For more information, please contact :

Raed El Forkh
Sales Manager
Tel: +971 2 409 0484
Mobile: +971 50 653 1941
Email: raed.elforkh@reedexpo.ae

Download Brochure

Click here to download Airport Show 2012 brochure.

The ‘Cultural Night’ organised by the Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) in honour of 100 strong Chinese Youth Delegation on Wednesday proved to be a unique blend of Pak-Chinese culture since Pakistani and Chinese artistes presented various highly entertaining items to enthral the audience and special guests which included provincial minister Abdul Ghafoor and Deputy Secretary Punjab Assembly Rana Mushood. The Pakistani artistes, young boys and girls from different schools and educational institutions, presented the dance performances based on the world renowned tale of ‘Anarkali’, ‘Peacock Dance, Kathak Performance, Tarana in Raag Bagheshri and ‘Dawn to Dusk’, a dance performance depicting the hardworking life of the peasants.

The Chinese troupe presented Chinese songs, dances from various Chinese provinces including Xinjiang province. The young Chinese artistes, a part of the Chinese delegation, earned repeated rounds of applauds and great admiration from the viewers of the show. .

Expressing their sentiments on this occasion, the Chinese delegation’s representatives conveyed their joy over being in Pakistan and the warm and loving reception they had received from their Pakistani brethren. They said that Chinese girls loved Pakistani girls while the entire Chinese nation loved their Pakistani brothers and sisters since the ever strong bonds of love and friendship between the two long lasting friends were most precious to each other in all respects and these relations would certainly improve more in the near future after such cultural exchanges.

Incoming search terms:

• chinese youth delegation to lahore tdcp (2)

Islamabad

Iram Wani and Aleem Dad — both of them talented print-makers settled in Islamabad and passing on their skills as teachers — have come together for an art exhibition that opens at Nomad Art Gallery today (Thursday).

Irum’s focus in printmaking specifically rests on the linocut, collagraph and etching process. “I like to investigate new techniques while enriching my work with traditional ones,” Irum said at the exhibition’s preview.

Irum’s work is a reflection of her inner world, and of emotional responses to the various experiences of her life. “I always return to nature as a source of inspiration. The objects and colours that I see in the environment constitute the symbols of my thought process. Every new image produced is interlinked with the previous one, thus forming a chain in itself. I believe in my inner self, the more conscious and unconditioned part of my being. My work is thus an autonomous activity,” the artist explained. Irum’s images are a dialogue with the past, the present, and the future.

Aleem Dad’s new work is also a creation of his unique experiences. He derives inspiration from his own vision and life experiences; from his birthplace Hunza in the Northern Areas of Pakistan to Lahore and then further to the Swansea Print Workshop in the streets of Swansea, Wales and back to Islamabad, where he currently resides.

The process of printmaking also becomes a part of what Aleem Dad is trying to understand in terms of his own life experiences and of the process of becoming. “Through his work, he is lighting his own path towards his understanding of life and of everything he believes in,” the gallery’s director Nageen Hyat analysed.

Aleem Dad’s current body of work comes from the artist’s time in Wales during an artist residency in the Swansea Print Workshop, which is where he began his work as a printmaker. “Despite changing experiences as I moved from the Northern Areas to Lahore for my Bachelors in Fine Arts and then to Swansea, as well as a change in medium, I have created a body of work which introspectively remains true to my previous concerns,” the artist said. However, Aleem Dad’s new experiences are very much evident in his visual vocabulary.

The exhibition, which offers 27 prints in all, will continue till May 31 at House no. 22, Justice Abdul Rasheed Avenue, F-6/1.

Incoming search terms:

• iram wani (2)

An exhibition of Mr Mahmood’s photographs of sculptures made by Mr Sajjad will also open at the gallery and will continue till May 29, daily from 11am to 8pm (except Sundays).

(Dawn)

Incoming search terms:

• fateh muhammad malik rector islamic university (1)

An exhibition of artist Muhammad Zeeshan’s latest works opened at the Canvas Gallery on Tuesday. The organisers have titled it, The special siri series’.

Siri is the word used in Urdu to describe the head of an animal — goat, cow etc — especially with reference to a particular dish. The viewer sees quite a few siris in the exhibition, however, that’s not the whole story.

Muhammad Zeeshan is trying to connect the past with the past. This means what happened in yesteryear in the name of wars and sacrifices carries on not necessarily for the wrong reasons, but for reasons that are unavoidably related to human progress.

According to a statement provided by the gallery on the artist’s latest endeavour, “he seeks inspiration from cultural archetypes, in particular the image of the Pakistani film hero whose bravery and courage is symbolised by the profusion of blood that covers his body”. It is an indication that Muhammad Zeeshan is striving to move away from the path that many have chosen to define the violence that has engulfed our society for long. He is redefining, without ignoring the severed or decapitated heads, the whole thing by giving it, among other things, a positive look.

To achieve all of that, the artist has also experimented with a new technique, namely laser scoring with gouache on wasli.

The exhibition will last till May 24.

(Dwan)

Incoming search terms:

• karachi university building (1)
• muhammad zeeshan artist recent (1)

Committed to make a good first impression on the citizens of Lahore, Nida displayed a varied range of ensembles in her first-ever exhibition. The dresses in display included eastern wear accentuated with signature and vintage design elements along with fashion pieces from ‘Awadh Court Collection’ and ‘Parinda’, both of which had gained much acclaim at the PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week and Showcase 2012, respectively.

Everything made under the Nida Azwer label is handmade with use of pure fabrics, including Irish linen, chiffons, handwoven silks and brocade.

Talking to Daily Times, Nida said, “While my team and I have brought the Nida Azwer fashion label to the ramp in Lahore several times as part of bridal and prêt fashion weeks, this, however, is the first time we are bringing the entire Nida Azwer fashion range for retail in one space and that too on popular demand. Indeed our regular shows have propelled the label in Lahore and such an exhibition is a result of the consistency of the brand’s exposure in the city.”

After graduating from the Indus School of Art and Architecture in 2005, Nida immediately started work on her eponymous label. She was nominated for the coveted Lux Style Award for Best Emerging Talent in 2008 and won the Best Designer Award at the Nesvita Women Of Strength Awards in 2009.

Incoming search terms:

• nida azwer lahore solo exhibition (1)
• nida azwer\s lahore collections (1)

The show entitled “Neo World Order” exhibited the collection by artists Fahad Hameed, Noureen Rasheed and Shiblee Munir.

Fahad Hameed’s work is about his experience of ‘Traditional studies of miniature paintings’. “It always instigate me to inquire about its original cores, the visual composition, specially very smooth plane divided surface but much rigid and unbreakable rules,” he said.

Explaining the works, the artist said, “The fundamental principles (thin fine lines practice with pencil on paper and the siyah qalam on wasli) of miniature paintings always magnetise me to find out the pleasure behind it. White lines of thread on the black surface are highly contrast (by colour and medium) but consummate the idea of ‘My first lesson of miniature painting’.”

Noureen’s work explores her experiences of life, “Surviving among the (cunning) set rules, I find myself vulnerable to obey such obligation, which has penetrated our lives tangibly or intangibly. My work is my own world where I try to depict my notions humbly, that is why I used lines (a minimal source of visual action) as metaphor to say my thoughts. Near to me each line denotes a galaxy of meaning rather a rigid last word,” she said.

According to Shiblee Munir, “Life is not real or false it’s about illusion. Experience is part of human existence and as a new media artist I strive to probe the lines between human and environmental relationships. With our society’s existing dependence on emergent technologies comes a conflicted relationship between our culture and the concern for nature.”

This paradoxical bond between human beings and nature poses and solicits the need for a joint co-evolution between the living and budding technological innovations.

“My artwork began through the observation of these often strained relationships and came to fruition through the proposition of potential remedies for our constant struggle with co-evolution. I introduce these remedies in the form of interactive art, repetition of lines, objects and mechanical manipulations. Somehow this makes illusions. My work invites technology, real and imagined, to heighten our awareness of existence. Though I find the development of evolving technology to be alluring, my work invites the viewer to experience a visual,” Shiblee said. The show continues until May 23. app

ISLAMABAD: Directorate General of Special Education and Social Welfare will organise a festival for the children with disabilities at Fatima Jinnah Park tomorrow (Thursday).

The festival will provide an opportunity to the children with disabilities for recreational activities and all the activities will be carried out with the involvement of children with disabilities.

This initiative will play ivotal role in personality development and behaviour modification of these children.

This festival is going to be organised on a larger scale having maximum participation of persons with disabilities.

More than 2,500 children with disabilities from Special Education Centre under Directorate General of Special Education and Social Welfare and private sector special education institutions having hearing and visual impairment, physically or mentally challenged will participate in the festival.

A number of talented children with disabilities will perform different items during the festival. app

Incoming search terms:

• fair for special children to be held in fatima jinnah park (1)

The directorate for the first time in the history of the separate establishment of the special education is holding such a festivity for recreational purpose of challenged children and create awareness about them.

Federal Minister Nazar Muhammad Gondal and Farooq H Naek will inaugurate the festival and distribute souvenirs among the participants. The directorate general has decided to hold the festival on a large scale to make it more memorable and facilitate maximum participation of challenged children.

A number of endowed challenged children will perform on the occasion to make it entertaining and enjoyable. Some renowned TV and film artistes will also perform besides challenged children in the festival.

The organisers have invited celebrities belonging to various walks of life, including parliamentarians, ministers, civil society representatives and high officials of different ministries and divisions to encourage challenged children, who are supposed to become useful members of society through special efforts of the directorate.

A message from Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will be read out on the occasion, while prizes, certificates and gifts will be distributed among challenged children performing outstandingly. Stalls of delicious food items and other things would also be set up in the festival

Welcome to Pakistan International Gems & Jewellery Exhibition (PIGJE) 2012

Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) has the honor of organising a mega event of international standard. Pakistan international Gems & Jewellery Exhibition is a four day extravaganza on June 7 – 10 2012, showcasing the best of Pakistan’s Gems & Jewellery products highlighting both traditional and contemporary class.

The Event will bring out Pakistani gems and jewellery products in the most aesthetic style and will introduce international buyers to rich Pakistani markets. The intricately crafted jewellery and precious/semi-precious gemstones found in Pakistan will reveal an entire new market to foreign buyers.

PIGJE will be a B2B and B2C event focusing on providing a lucrative platform to the thriving Gems & Jewellery sector of the country to showcase variety of gems and jewellery products including precious/semi-precious gemstones; mineral specimens; ornamental stones/beads gemstone carvings made-ups, diamond/gems studded jewellery; branded jewellery and fine jewellery (gold, white gold, silver), etc to a discerning targeted audience of international B2B and B2C customers and local masses. Additionally, an array of machinery, equipments, tools, consumables and allied products related to gems and jewellery will also be at display by international manufacturers and companies during the Exhibition. Enabling environment will be created both for local and international traders to interact and promote businesses.

Exhibition Details

Organizer:
Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC)

Dates:
Thursday, 7 June – Sunday, 10 June, 2012

Timings:

June 07, 2012
For Business Visitors only: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

June 08 – 10, 2012
For Business Visitors: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Daily
For General Visitors: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Daily

Venue:
Marquee Hall, Pearl Continental Hotel,
Karachi – Pakistan.

Special Instructions:

Admission will be strictly through ID Cards or Passports.
Children are not allowed.

Exhibit Profile:

Diamond/gem-studded jewellery.
Rough/cut gemstones.
Mineral specimen.
Ornamental stones and beads.
Gemstone carvings, made-ups and table wares.
Gold, silver, platinum and white gold jewellery.
Gems & jewellery machinery/tools/equipment/allied products.

Exhibitor Profile:

Precious/semi-precious gemstone traders
Mineral Specimen traders.
Mineral specimen.
Gemstone carving, made-ups and table ware traders and retailers.
Ornamental stones and beads’ traders.
Diamond and pearl traders and retailers.
Branded jewellery traders and retailers
Jewellery manufacturers, importers, exporters and retailers (platinum, white gold, gold & silver)
Manufacturers/suppliers of gems and jewellery machinery, tools, equipment and allied products
Software developers and service providers related to gems & jewellery.

Visitor Profile:

Diplomats and foreigners
Policy and decision makers
Members of trade associations
Gemstone miners.
Jewellery manufacturers/dealers
Gem & jewellery merchants
Gemologists and academia

Standard Shell Scheme (3m x 3m)

One counter showcase
One tall showcase
One round table
Two chairs
Three spotlights of 100 watts each
One power socket – single phase 220 V (50 Hz) 5 A
One book rack
One trash bin
Company name on fascia

Special facilitation for international exhibitors

Official invitation letter for Visa facilitation
Protocol at Jinnah International Airport Karachi
Airport – Hotel – Venue complimentary transfers
Business matching services
Meetings with ministers/VIP officials wherever possible.
200 words’ company profile with logo in event catalogue.
Banking and credit card facility at the site.

Incoming search terms:

• tall showcase for jewellery (12)
• pakistani jewellery designs 2012 (1)

The show titled ‘Special Siri Series’ will remain open till May 24, daily from 11am to 8pm (except Sunday).

(Dawn)

(The News)

A large number of people participated in the event enthusiastically and displayed different arrangements of fresh flowers, using their aesthetic sense.

Women from different walks of life also attended the show and appreciated the work done by members of the art society.

FASP Lahore President Samina Salman and ex-president Nasreen Amjad were the judges on the occasion. The first prize was awarded to Yasmeen Sohail, second to Shandana Bangish and third to Annie Noman. Special prizes were given to Anjum Mudasir and Rahima Amjad for their unique pattern of floral design. The judges praised the work and said that such competitions were a healthy activity and depicted people’s love for nature and flowers.

Talking to APP, FASP Islamabad President Samina Fazil said that 35 years ago, a group of talented women laid the foundation of the art society in Karachi, and a simple coffee morning was organised to start this expressive art.

“Gradually, more friends showed interest,” she commented, adding that the beautiful flower arrangement designs presented on the occasion were highly admired by art lovers.

With the passage of time, members increased and new ideas were brought in, and the society started proper functioning as an active body to promote this art.

She said they started organising exhibitions and competitions on a regular basis, as they got good feedback, and opened new avenues for art lover to explore their talent in this field.

She said that the Karachi Floral Art Society was formally announced in 1970, and two years later, Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan took the responsibilities of patron of the society.

Samina said that in 1976, a new dimension was added to the forum of flower arrangement with a cause, as its members decided to donate the proceeds of the show to a charity.

“Since then, we have helped the Leprosy Centre, the Kidney Centre, Fatimid Foundation, Behbud, ABSA, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Citizens’ Foundation and many others,” she said, adding that the main objective of the society was to promote goodwill at the national and international levels and spread the message of peace, understanding, sympathy, and tolerance among members of society through the promotion of floral art. “We hold exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and seminars to encourage the skill and nurture creativity among those who are interested in the unique art of flower arrangement,” Samina said.

(Daily Times)