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What's OnExhibitionsPast ExhibitionsBeyond the Page: Contemporary Art from Pakistan Beyond the Page: Contemporary Art from Pakistan
Beyond the Page: Contemporary Art from Pakistan
Pakistan’s new miniature art movement is experiencing a spectacular revival around the world. Beyond the Page brings eight of the most prestigious artists trained in Pakistan to Manchester Art Gallery, as part of the Festival of Muslim Cultures 2006.
Inspired by the traditional art of miniature painting, artists have created stunning contemporary work which reflects their country’s turbulent history and their feelings of national identity.
The exhibition features existing and new artworks created especially for Manchester Art Gallery, demonstrating how these artists have transformed a traditional style of painting using different media and techniques. Melbourne-based artist Nusra Latif Qureshi is exhibiting two of her beautiful collages, Passionate Beings in Flight and Familiar Desires I, combining decorative patterns, flat planes of colour and 19th century photographic images. Aisha Khalid’s Infinite Justice is a striking fabric artwork made from over a 1000 sewing needles with black and maroon silk thread, inspired by the war against terror. Hamra Abbas’ collage Please do not touch, stay out and enjoy the show combines painting, text and Islamic pattern to stunning effect.
There is also a large-scale painting by Imran Qureshi created directly onto the gallery walls and giant vinyl artworks by Nusra Latif Qureshi and Rashid Rana specially commissioned for the gallery’s glass atrium. Also included is a painting by the late Zahoor ul Akhlaq. Widely acknowledged as one of the leading artists in Pakistan and credited with reviving the miniature movement, Akhlaq has influenced the younger generation of artists.
Beyond the Page is part of The Festival of Muslim Cultures, a national celebration of Muslim contributions to world art, science and history. Museums and galleries across Manchester have selected objects from their collections that are influenced by Muslim culture. See the Muslim Festival trail in Related Documents above for Manchester Art Gallery's selection.
There will be a series of events relating to Beyond the Page, including talks with the curator and selected artists, as well as poetry readings and dance workshops.
For more information about the festival visit the Festival of Muslim Cultures website.
An illustrated 68 page full-colour catalogue is available, co-published by Asia House, Green Cardamom and Manchester Art Gallery. Special Exhibition price at Manchester Art Gallery, £9.95. Also available through Cornerhouse Publications.
Related events
Poetry readings: Shamshad Khan: Wed 18 October
Exploring the miniature: Thurs 9 November
The exhibition is in the M.E.N. Exhibitions Gallery supported by the Manchester Evening News.
Outreach programme supported by Co-operative Insurance Society.
