Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Fine Art Committee organized a ceremony at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery to honor the acclaimed artist Ghalib Baqar, who holds the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award. The event was attended by prominent figures in the art world, including the President of the Arts Council, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, and Chairman of the Fine Art Committee, Farrukh Shahab.
The tribute featured speeches from notable attendees such as Meher Afroze, Moeen Farooqi, Dr. Ambreen Haseeb Ambar, Amra Ali, Khalid Khan-Kaay, and Ishteaq Ahmed. In addition, Kaleem Khan, Nighat Yameen, Sarfaraz Musawwir, and Syeda Habib contributed via video messages. A short documentary showcasing Ghalib Baqar’s life and artistic journey was also presented to the audience.
Meher Afroze, reflecting on her long association with Baqar, highlighted his exceptional mastery in art. Dr. Ambreen Haseeb Ambar described Baqar’s unique use of the color blue, which evokes solitude and melancholy in his paintings. Moeen Farooqi praised Baqar’s ability to capture youthful energy and natural landscapes through his art.
Amra Ali noted the intersection of visual art and literature in Baqar’s work, particularly through his watercolors that incorporate the elegance of the Urdu language. Khalid Khan-Kaay emphasized Baqar’s impactful teaching style, recalling his patient mentorship with students.
In his address, Ghalib Baqar expressed his gratitude for the recognition and recalled his artistic journey. He reflected on his rediscovery of using white in his paintings, emphasizing that beauty in art does not always require its presence.
The event, moderated by Shakeel Khan, witnessed a large gathering of eminent personalities from the art community, celebrating the distinguished career of Ghalib Baqar.