Raunaqe bazaar-o- mehfil kam nahin hai aj bhee

Saneha is sheher mein koi magar honay ko hai

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Life must be a living hell for the millions made homeless by the recent cyclone and floods in Pakistan. It reminds one of the horrible tragedy of October earthquake in 2006 that thousands are still trying to cope with. This is the time to pray and do all that we can for the victims of this natural disaster. Article here >>

This weekend was remarkable: visions and confusions found their way on a plain canvas and before long I was in a strange dialogue with the canvas – here is the result of this dialogue: Full entry here >>

I am grateful to Ahmer for sending me the link to “The Art of Integration Exhibition: Islam in Britain’s Green and Pleasant Lands“.

The photograph on the left titled A Beautiful Veil is a creation of Zarah Hussain, Geometrist who has a lovely explanation for this: ‘I have always been fascinated by Islamic patterns, the interlocking geometry with its flowing shapes, stars and rosettes. They captured my eyes, heart and mind. The contemplation of these ‘spider webs of God’ mold my soul and briefly enable me to escape the preoccupations of everyday life.’

Ghufran has an interesting post on Islamic architecture here.

The nineteenth century photos from Iran, commissioned by the ruling monarch are delightful. A special photographer was assigned the task to capture shots of the harem and the results were unique. Apparently, these photos have also been used by contemporary artists as their inspiration as well as material.

Full entry here >>

I have been busy with discovering the pleasure of painting – playing with colours and mixing visions and inspirations with linseed oil. The results are alas not that great. However, it is the process of being focused on and immersed in the canvas, that I find most elevating. Full entry here >>

How poor are they who have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees.
-William Shakespeare

I grew up in the post-East Pakistan era, and my only exposure to Bangladesh was initially through textbooks that were at best sheepish about the events surrounding its liberation. History was suspended by the school narratives. As a young adult, I was exposed to the injustices once meted out to Pakistan’s largest wing by an outspoken history teacher. Later, when I blurted out those acquired facts in characteristic drawing room discussions, I sensed an unease; silence was advised by a discerning elder.

Such silence, unfortunately, haunted the post-1971 social and cultural milieu of Pakistan. Later in life when I met real Bangladeshis, as opposed to the fictional characters that existed in my mental landscape, I felt a strange affinity despite the fact that we came from contested histories and realities. At college in London I remember long discussions with Bangladeshi friends where we disagreed yet agreed that we had a common future.

Therefore, the recent visit to Dhaka, the very first non fleeting sojourn, was an overpowering experience. Dhaka airport is just another airport. Like home, there are long queues broken by the protocol brigades and immigration officers struggling with the advent of technology. In Dhaka, the warmth of the people overwhelms you.

While there I could not help but think of Faiz’s only poem written in 1974, Ham ke thehre ajnabi, about how close relations become estranged. (more…)

Delhi’s Red Fort was once a symbol of Mughal power and the myriad India was ruled for centuries from this fort. Full entry here >>

The local Christian community praying at an Easter service in Lahore, Pakistan.

“Isa Daudpota is an engineer and physicist by profession. He is keenly interested in art, mathematics and computers. He writes frequently on science, information technology, education and social policy. Read entry here >>

I lived in this hill station for a couple of years. I often miss this light. Each evening I would wait for the glow that would last for a good half an hour before the dusk. Full entry here >>

The warmth of people and the magic of old Dhaka overwhelms you. Having said that, Dhaka is bursting on the seams with a gushing sea of humanity, unregulated construction and traffic jams defining the urban ethos. Read article here >>

The Buddhist art of Gandhara influenced Indian art and sensibilities and also that of the entire Buddhist world. Full entry here >>

Nearly eight years ago, this image of General Musharraf made headlines..

Full entry here >>

Mahboob Ali, the only woodcut artist of Pakistan has sent me more images of his works.

Full entry here >>