DIFFERENT FACES OF PAKISTAN AT ASIA HOUSE, LONDON
29 October 2012 – 8 December 2012, Asia House, London
Press View, 4pm–6pm, Private View, 6pm–9pm, Tuesday 30th October 2012
A survey of Contemporary Pakistani art curated by Sasheen Abbasi
Percentage of proceeds to go to CARE, largest education NGO in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country of diversity, both in terms of geography, ethnic makeup and language as well as culture, ideas and political views. This diversity has culminated in vibrant themes and styles manifesting themselves in the works of Pakistan’s artists - from landscapes and figurative works to Abstraction, Cubism and graphic calligraphy.
Coinciding with Asian Art in London, Different Faces of Pakistan seeks to showcase Pakistan’s rich and eclectic artistic expression through a selection of Contemporary pieces chosen to reflect the country’s culture, social aspects and vibrant, emerging art scene. Curated by Sasheen Abbasi, the works on show demonstrate the “creativity, courage and conviction of artists living through some of the most trying times the nation has witnessed over the past few decades”. For Abbasi, they “depict the real face of Pakistan, so often neglected in sensationalist international news, and instead showcase the beauty, sensitivity and remarkable grit of the Pakistani people.”
By bringing together artists from different parts of the country, Abbasi hopes to broaden and challenge the often narrow views so many have of Pakistan. Works by the likes of Khusro Subzwari, Farrukh Shahab, Inam Raja, Dr Wasif Ali and Tassadux Sohail cover a variety of themes and media, from the dreamy and abstract to the stark and Cubist. Bold lines and colours comprise Different Faces of Pakistan, in what is ultimately a reflection of a creativity and sensitivity that is at the heart of Pakistan. Every single one of these Different Faces is, ultimately, a celebration of life.
Asia House and Abbasi are proud to partner with CARE, a charity dedicated to educating underprivileged children in Pakistan, with a percentage of sales from the exhibition going towards the charity.
Notes for Editors:
Name: Different Faces of Pakistan
Curator: Sasheen Abbasi
Dates: 29 October 2012 – 8 December 2012
Private View:30 October 2012, 6pm – 9pm
Venue: Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7LP
Opening Hours:Mon-Fri 10am – 6pm; Sat 10am – 6pm; Sunday closed.
Charity Partner: CARE Pakistan
Media Partner: A Lifestyle, Hello Pakistan
Event Partners: The Rangoonwala Foundation, Curzon PR
About the curator
Sasheen Abbasi was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. She developed an appreciation for art at a young age as her mother was an avid art collector, with works by Pakistani masters such as Chughtai, Allah Bux, Sadequain and Gulgee hanging on the walls of the family home. After completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Abbasi moved to London during her mid-twenties. Living in the West, Abbasi was faced with negative images of her homeland post-9/11, motivating her to introduce her adopted country to the diverse artistic heritage of Pakistan. Since May 2010, she has successfully held several exhibitions at the Pakistan High Commission in London as well as curating artwork for charity auctions.
About Asia House
Asia house, the leading pan-Asian organisation in the UK, exists to build dynamic links with Asia, important now more than ever. By providing unique insights into culture, policy, business and education, Asia House promotes informed understanding and the mutual exchange of ideas, building stronger relationships between the diverse communities of Europe and Asia. Asia House is a non-profit, non-political organisation. For more information, visit www.asiahouse.org
About The Rangoonwala Foundation
The Rangoonwala Foundation is a charitable endowment of its founder the late philanthropist, social worker, patron and industrialist Mohamed Aly Rangoonwala, a dedicated believer in free trade, fair competition and the responsibility of wealthy individuals to alleviate poverty and raise the standard of living for those less fortunate. Working internationally, the foundation contributes to social development in the areas of community, education and health, supports the arts and creative individuals and helps to enable communities to become more vibrant and dynamic. For more information, visit www.rangoonwalafoundation.co.uk
About CARE
CARE Pakistan is a charitable initiative based in Pakistan, with chapters in London, UK and Houston, USA (the latter being largely inactive). Its main mission is to educate underprivileged children in rural Pakistan who would otherwise have no access to schooling. With the education of each child costing one pound per month, their current goal is to get one million children off the streets. Established in 1988 by Seema Aziz in the wake of devastating floods in the Sheikhupura district of Punjab, CARE has since grown to 225 schools, providing free quality education for over 150,000 students. They also provide guidance for higher education, technical training, job placements and entrepreneur programs. For more information, visit www.carepakistan.org.uk
For further information and high-resolution images please contact:
Anna Wallace-Thompson | Media Relations | Curzon PR
t: +44 (0)20 73992438
28 Grosvenor Street
London
W1K 4QR
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