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Dancing at a friend's wedding/ Medhindi. Dr.Marcella
Sirhandi is in the photograph on my right. She is also a
Fulbright Scholar who was in Pakistan during my stay.
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I traveled to Pakistan to lecture and create new artwork in the
city of Lahore on a Fulbright Scholar Award for a period of four
months. I taught a fourth year painting class and graduate students
at the National College of Arts (NCA) there. It was a happening
place for the art scene in Lahore, which is full of creative activity,
culture and lots of movement. By movement I mean the street traffic
as well as the art. Cars, trucks, bikes, rickshaws, people (with
lots of items balanced on their heads), animals, donkeys, horses,
and camels all move in their own order and not within the painted
lines on the street! Even though there are billboards telling
everyone to stay in their lanes, many ride the white line to their
own beat. You can imagine the congestion and pollution all this
activity created. My friend Awais always drove on the white line
and had his Bollywood music playing to give our ride a pulsating
theme song. At first, the traffic and the appearance of chaos
to a westerner like myself seemed to mean we would be in an accident
shortly. I quickly realized that there is a certain rhythm and
order to this chaos. Though many times it was a close one, hardly
ever did I see a collision or anyone get angry. It was standard
flare and part of the lifestyle of these Lahorians. I began to
look forward to a quick drive in a car either with Awais or my
hired driver, Arthur. It was like playing a video game without
a joystick! Not for the weak of heart!
The rhythm of the NCA was not as fast paced as the traffic but
had its own style none-the-less. I really didn't expect to have
such royal treatment when I critiqued student artwork as I did.
Often, I was given tea by students and had my chair moved around
the room as I got up to discuss everyone's artwork. Back home
in the States I was lucky if a student ran out to a vending machine
to get me a Coke-if I asked for one. Having tea was a popular
pastime that invited discussion and reflection as well as a "getting
to know you" opportunity in Pakistan. I had lots of "teas"
and many "high teas" too. The temperatures were well
into the 100's but everyone continued with the hot tea-I quickly
got used to it, forgetting the ice tea of Texas of which I am
used to and looked forward to having it hot just as any one in
Pakistan did.
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The opening of my exhibition at the National College
of Arts entitled "Swirling Notions". Taking the honors of
cutting the ribbon and guest of honor is principal of the
school, Saijda Vendel with Bashir Amand (Master of Miniature
Painting). I am on the right behind the principal.
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NCA was celebrating its 125th year anniversary and I attended
many activities in conjunction with this. A wonderful Qawwali
singer by the name of Abida Parveen came to perform and it was
the best musical experience I ever had. Her voice was so beautiful
and inspired everyone to tears and wonder as she played on in
the late hours of the evening as we sat on pillows in the school's
courtyard. Also, an art education conference was held where many
educators and artists came from all over the world to share ideas
in the teaching of art and architecture. I shared my insights
on cyber technology in the arts classroom and how the internet
can open doors for the creative artist. There was excitement in
the air over the anniversary events and parties everyone seemed
to be having. If I took up all the invitations I got I probably
would still be there now.
My schedule was very hectic and fast-pasted, and I thought Pakistan
would be a slower-paced place! But I loved plunging in full force
into the motion of things there. Students were taking me to see
there work here and there, even if they were not in my class,
many were excited about me being there and that was special for
me. I couldn't help but get very excited about the student's artwork
because it was produced by much energy and drive that I was impressed.
Many of the students and teachers seemed like old friends that
I had met in a previous life and we were just waiting to get together
again. I felt very connected with all the frenzy at the school
and couldn't imagine not taking part in every aspect possible.
This inspired my own art and I found myself getting materials
from the bazaars such as fabric, silk thread, stickers and small
mirrors to put in my
drawings and paintings. Students gave me odds and ends that they
felt would inspire me and I created a new body of work consisting
of over 20 paintings and drawings!
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One of my works of art done during my stay in Lahore.
The title is "A Pepsi Thing". Watercolor, collage and graphite
on paper.
(15" x 21")
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The images from American culture were everywhere in Pakistan.
The Pepsi logo was on everything and it was interesting to see
how it is a status symbol for some of the people there, especially
the young ones. I found it to be a juxtaposition of America's
influence and how strong this was on a culture so rich in tradition.
But what was stronger was the hospitality that I found in Pakistan.
The people are very warm and friendly. Many people invited me
to their homes for dinner or parties. Students as well as colleagues
opened up their homes so that I could meet their loved ones and
feel some love too since I was away from my home. I was invited
to a wedding and danced at the Medhindi to everyone's delight.
I never felt alone in Pakistan, there was always someone who called
and invited me out. I could go on and on about the friendliness
of the people of Pakistan. I was able to exchange ideas and information
with them on art and other topics of interest. When I had an exhibition
of my work at the American Center in Islamabad, many people came
and were very interested in the art I did during my stay in Pakistan.
I also was invited by the principal of NCA to have another exhibition
of my work at the school for all of the students and colleagues
to see. Many responded that I was indeed influenced by images
from popular culture, the ancient Indus Valley and the strong
tradition of Miniature painting at NCA. I also was invited to
give many guest lectures on my artwork at other institutions of
higher education throughout Pakistan. Everywhere I went students
and teachers were very enthusiastic about me being there.
It was also very special that a special Senior Fulbright Scholar
was present during my stay. Dr.Marcella Sirhandi was a joy to
experience Pakistan with for she wrote the book, Contemporary
Painting in Pakistan and knew all the artists and sites in Lahore.
I was truly honored by her presence and we became fast friends.
We had many adventures together as well as with her wonderful
family there. We actively took interest in the graduate program
at NCA and contributed to many stimulating discussions with students
and faculty as well. The gems of my trip were the students at
NCA. They made my stay in Pakistan the best and being the main
reason for my visit to Pakistan. They were a delight and so eager
to share knowledge, laughter and friendship with. I still continue
to email many of them and continue the dialogue on art and life.
Please contact us
if you would like to submit your own story and/or photographs.
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