“{ARTpeace}”
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Artwork Code: Ap-ash-007
Availability: In Stock
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 20 x 30 Inch
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Everyone should have the chance to discover their positive
side. Not many people have the vision or understanding to provide this chance
to those who may need it the most.
In 2007, a Fine Arts School was established in Karachi
Central Jail. The idea was to not let human resources further waste away; to provide
them a constructive outlet, and to give them the chance to discover something
positive inside themselves. This simple step of reaching out to jail inmates
and providing them a ray of normalcy has changed the course of lives of some of
the inmates.
In 2009, the first exhibition of works prepared by these art
students was held in the jail premises. Naturally, given the security
conditions, only a handful of people visited the exhibition. The venue was then
shifted to art galleries, and has since been warmly received by
Karachiites.
Sikandar Jogi has been teaching these prisoners the art of
art for the past 8 years. He has taught this
skill to over 500 prisoners to date. “When I first entered the classroom and saw
the prisoners I was terrified. Gradually I got used to being around convicts
arrested for murder, terrorism, drugs, fraud, theft, kidnapping and other
crimes. Now I feel honoured and gratified that I can draw such work out of them
and create this change in their lives. The result I get is very rewarding.”
After the success of the program in Central Jail, it has
been implemented in District Jail Malir as well. Sikander Jogi teaches in both
Art Schools three times a week in the school hours of 9 to 1 and 2 to 5. “These
inmates are not artists. They had no previous art experience. We have assembled this exhibition over 15 months.”
When you enter the room, the sight of the vibrant paintings with
the artists’ names on the side is disconcerting and unsettling. It opens an
unknown portal out of your comfort zone and into unchartered emotions where a
prisoner is not a numbered criminal but is a human with a name whose feelings
have suddenly been exposed to you.
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Artwork Code: Ap-far-007
Availability: SOLD
Medium: Water Color on Paper
Size: 18 x 24 Inch
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Artwork Code: Ap-ahs-001
Availability: SOLD
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 20 x 28 Inch
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| Artist: Husnain
Artwork Code: Ap-hus-002
Availability: SOLD
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 24 x 36 Inch |
A maze depicts the feeling of being trapped; religious calligraphy
is the sign of timeless hope through prayer; landscapes with open fields and
skies, a running horse and a butterfly in flight show longing for freedom. Bleak, barren landscapes display
despondency.
An unlocked padlock on a shut door is a poignant symbol of hope amid despair. A
ship sailing in stormy waters shows the defiance and resilience of the human
spirit. A child holding an adult's hand in a doorway is nostalgic. Bright colours and everyday themes show the desire to stay in touch with and return to normalcy.
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Artwork Code: Ap-Jav-008
Availability: SOLD
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 14 x 20 inch
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Artwork Code: Ap-akb-002
Availability: SOLD
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 18 x 24 Inch
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Artwork Code: Ap-Saj-002
Availability: In Stock
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 20 x 26 Inch
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Artwork Code: Ap-kaz-011
Availability: SOLD
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 18 x 24 Inch
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Artwork Code: Ap-kaz-002
Availability: In Stock
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 24 x 30 Inch
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Artwork Code: Ap-hus-009
Availability: SOLD
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 14 x 14 Inch
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The soulful art is obviously a cathartic vent for their
desolate state. It humanizes them and creates empathy in the viewer.
Visitors at the gallery were appreciative of the exhibition.
“A
good response to their positive effort will encourage the development of their positive
side,” said Nina Qadir.
A total of 112 pieces of art by 16 different artists are on
display. Some of the artwork is quite impressive. Several pieces were sold
within an hour of the opening, especially the strong abstract work, as well as my personal favourite piece showing Islamic architecture.
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Artwork Code: Ap-kaz-003
Availability: SOLD
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 20 x 24 Inch
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Artwork Code: Ap-kaz-009
Availability: SOLD
Medium: oil on canvas
Size: 14 x 20 Inch
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All the artwork has been kept at a very
reasonable, uniform price, and all proceeds from sales will go to the
imprisoned artists and their families to encourage them to explore better avenues
for themselves.
ARTCITI, the host gallery, explains: “We aim to
provide them an opportunity to channel their energy into something positive,
along with a chance to raise self-respect and confidence within themselves in
order to become positive contributors to the society. By encouraging these
convicts to move to a better path, we aspire to create a greater Pakistan, and
hope to see our fellow citizens being a part of this cause.”
Biryani and raita…always
biryani for Friday lunch. I’ll eat 
