In the fifth round of the national biennial Arjumand Painting Award (APA) in 2023, nearly 200 artists hailing from 25 diverse institutions, including self-taught individuals, took part. Among them, a selection committee shortlisted 90 paintings for exhibition and award contention, which was held in November at the Alhamra Art Gallery in Lahore. These paintings had a wide variety of art characterized by a remarkable construct, interesting imagery, artistic sophistication and aesthetic appeal.

“Chaahat” by Quratulain Dar won the 1st prize

After displaying 90 paintings on diverse subjects for the show, I meticulously toured the expansive display area, ensuring each exhibit received its final touches before the judges’ assessment. This moment, much like previous occasions, brimmed with a blend of anticipation and unease. However, amidst this atmosphere, a magnetic pull suddenly captured my attention of an exquisite painting with meticulously painted open palms of an individual, a transgender sitting in an unfamiliar wilderness that had an inexplicable allure.

In that fleeting instant, something about the open palms of the individual depicted within the peculiar wilderness scene compelled me to halt and within seconds I found myself immersed in a visual dialogue with powerful vocabulary. As a doctor, my instinctual response was to ascertain any signs of injury or illness, yet no bruises or indications of ailment were apparent. This led me to scrutinize the visage of the depicted figure, which bore a solemn expression, an aura of seriousness, gravity, and profound reflection.

Devoid of a smile, the closed mouth exuded an air of quiet concern, while the slightly furrowed eyebrows hinted at deep contemplation. The focused, introspective gaze emanating from the eyes captured my attention, portraying a person absorbed in profound thought. Overall, the subdued demeanor and inward focus of the individual suggested a mind engrossed in profound introspection. I vividly recall that on this magnificent presentation I spontaneously uttered … WOW!

Ah, this amalgamation of extended hands, open palms, and a somber countenance began to narrate a different tale. I found myself entangled in this subtle yet potent visual dialogue. The pathology lay not in the palms but in the portrayal of mental anguish. I started hearing this non-verbal discourse of the open palms and the solemn face very loudly. They were asking for help, beseeching my attention and social assistance. Loudly, they spoke of the yearning for trust and also signaling sincerity, honesty and trustworthiness of the individual.

This visual symphony was so compelling that I felt numbed, failing to grasp the other extraordinary facets of the painting. To my delight, later in the evening, the esteemed judges awarded it the highest accolade … the first prize of Rs. 400,000. It wasn’t until the day after the award ceremony that I stood once more before the painting, discovering its other remarkable nuances and astounding composition, painterly finesse even in the minutiae like the toenails, and the inclusion of supportive elements and subjects like the crescent and the bewildered dog.

Quratulain Dar’s first prize in APA 2023 for the painting titled “Chaahat”, is an undeniable triumph that has been earned with distinction. Kudos to her on this remarkable achievement!

“The Lost Landscape” by Safwan Bashir won the 2nd prize

Safwan Bashir debuted his first solo show in January 2023, and it was an outstanding success, completely selling out. His large size paintings done brilliantly with miniature technique, mostly discoursing on environmental concerns captivated art lovers. His painting, “The Lost Landscape”, in the award competition is a stark and thought-provoking commentary on the grim reality of deforestation and the underlying forces driving this destructive practice. The portrayal of a cut tree stump with a vulture perched atop, serves as a poignant metaphor for the predatory nature of those responsible for the systematic destruction of our forests, the environmental “mafia.”

The vulture, typically associated with scavenging and death, takes center stage in this evocative artwork, symbolizing the opportunistic entities profiting from the devastation of our natural habitats. The presence of a vulture with a halo on the barren decimated tree stump robbed of its lush canopy and reduced to a mere skeletal form, evoked an immediate sense of loss and despair. It not only signified the aftermath of ruthless deforestation, but also embodied the looming threat posed by the powerful who exploit our forests for their gain, leaving behind desolation and ecological imbalance.

I was stunned that with very limited elements and restricted palette, Safwan was able to convey a compelling narrative and evoke deep emotions. While standing in front of it in the exhibition hall, it sent shivers down my spine as I could hear the sound of chainsaw tearing through this once-thriving tree and echoing like a mournful hymn for nature’s loss.

The artist also exhibited remarkable talent in employing the miniature technique on a grand scale, an incredibly detailed portrayal executed on a 74 x 32 inches wasli surface that imbued the artwork with a mesmerizing allure. The precision and attention to detail in rendering the intricate textures, delicate features and subtle nuances are a testament to the exceptional skill and patience of Safwan. Every stroke of the brush seems purposeful, allowing for an immersive experience that draws the viewer into its folds. The composition of the painting is equally remarkable with the use of cut stem image in the background in a very meaningful way.

In sum, the technical prowess, masterful composition and attention to detail created an indelible impact not only on the viewers, but also on the judges. Congratulations to Safwan Bashir on winning the second prize of Rs. 300,000 in APA 2023. Interestingly, a collector from the USA asked me why this painting did not win the first prize and I responded, “No worries, he will be a Sirius in the art universe in the coming years”.

“Tujhay Yaadgar Bana Dya” by Sadia Rathore clinched the 3rd prize

Sadia Rathore, hailing from Balochistan, clinched the third prize worth Rs. 200,000. She thoughtfully raises questions and provokes contemplation on pressing social themes, offering a compelling visual narrative that urges reflection and dialogue. Her entry in the competition titled, “Tujhay Yaadgar Bana Dya”, was part of her ongoing “carpet” series initiated in 2018. This body of work began by sheding light on pertinent issues encompassing child labor, challenges faced by laborers, treatment of young carpet craftsboys by their employees, their creativity and the constraints imposed upon them.

I must admit that it wasn’t the social concerns and apprehensions that were visually apparent in this work; it was her astonishing ability to paint a carpet with such lifelike realism that is truly mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. The sheer mastery of technique and attention to detail in recreating the intricate patterns, textures and nuances of a carpet through paint is nothing short of remarkable. The level of skill and precision required to achieve such realism is extraordinary. Every fiber, every thread, and every intricate design flawlessly captured on the canvas evoked a sense of disbelief and wonder. It is as if the painting transcends its two-dimensional form, inviting one to reach out and feel the tactile richness and depth of the depicted carpet. Many visitors were observed touching it to believe that it is really not a carpet but oil paints on canvas, as stated in the catalogue.

The meticulous attention to every minute detail, from the weave patterns to the intricate motifs, demonstrated an unparalleled level of artistry and dedication. The ability to evoke a sense of tangibility and realism in a subject as seemingly mundane as a carpet, is a testament to Sadia’s visionary talent and creative prowess. It transformed the ordinary into something extraordinary, leaving viewers in awe of the artist’s vision and ability to capture the essence of an object so convincingly through paint, and also initiating a purposeful dialogue about the craftsmen involved in carpet weaving.

“The free will agency” by Bazil Habib was awarded the Merit Prize

“Eerily Hovering Above the Earth” by Amna Rahman won the Merit Prize

“The Devine Delights” by Imran Mughal won the Merit Prize

The jury members consisted of Irfan Gul Dahri, Prof. Dr. Rahat Naveed Masood, Risham Hosain Syed, R.M. Naeem and Sana Arjumand made the recommendation to confer merit awards of Rs. 50,000 each upon Bazil Habib, Amna Rahman and Imran Mughal. These talented artists also showcased remarkable skill and creativity, and achieved high scores for their paintings, alongside the three primary winners previously mentioned. In addition, the Arjumand Family announced art residencies for 8-10 artists, exhibition of 15 artists, national and international promotion of 40 artists through the website and social media platforms of Gallery 6, and facilitating painting auction through an automated feature for the 90 participants of the APA 2023. Consequently, this event blossomed into a celebration for all participating artists, who were aged between 25 to 40 years.