Exhibition sheds light on African culture

ISLAMABAD, March 9: Africa is little known to most Pakistanis and its culture even less. But the African arts and craft exhibition on Friday provided an opportunity to the residents of the capital to see the richness of the continent’s culture.Be it clarity of form and detail, complexity of composition, balance and symmetry, African artists place high value on fine workmanship and mastery of their medium.
Organised by Nageen Rehman, the exhibition represents the rich African tribal cultures, bringing together some of the most amazing African arts and craft like sculptures, masks, drums, soapstone carvings, carved chairs, carved trees, sisal bags, sandals and other products.“We bring to you art and craft from the beautiful African continent,” said Ms Nageen.Among the exotic highlights were a range of handmade African jewellery made of bullhorns, shells and metal, bangles made by Masai women, abstract art pieces expressively carved by African Shona artists in beautiful natural soapstone and walking sticks uniquely carved out of rosewood depicting wildlife and the Masai culture of Kenya.African art which has found expression in a range of media is also presented through beautiful paintings, noted for their strong sense of colour and the black and white fascinating impressions of contemporary and well-known artist Heidi Lange.“Style is worth dying for,” said a visitor, while another thought, “African art and design had so much aesthetic appeal”.Sculptures of ebony and rosewood, carved out from one piece of wood using age-old carving techniques passed down by the Akamba craftsmen from generation to generation can also be found in the assortment of creative goodies.Wall hangings and wood carvings of various wild animals like hippopotamus, rhinoceros and giraffes, masks, fabrics, baskets and sandals were also exhibited.Mesmerised by the array of African artistic creativity, the Kenyan high commissioner, Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, said Nageen had made Kenya proud.“It feels like a special Kenya Day.

We feel honoured for giving a special thought to Kenya,” the high commissioner said.Africa had been an ignored part of Pakistan’s foreign policy, said Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Secretary-General and Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Mushahid Hussain Syed.The PML secretary-general, who was buying a Cheetah made of highly polished wood for his 18-year-old son, said: “I have been following Africa closely. It is a fascinating continent and our relations need to be enhanced.”Making the best of the occasion, Mr Syed also presented the Kenyan high commissioner a report titled ‘Pak-Africa Relations’ which looked into opportunities to increase friendship between Pakistan and the African countries.The exhibition, which opened to public at the Sugi Duty Free Shop, will continue till March 24.

By Jamal Shahid
Source; DAWN (internet edition)
March 10,2007