By Raneya Chaudhry

LAHORE: (Feb 20, 2017) A diverse range of artworks and creations by fine arts students of Government College University Lahore were put on display for the art lovers at the university’s Annual Fine Arts Exhibition 2017 opened on Monday at the Abdus Salam Hall.

Noted artist and Old Ravian Dr. Ajaz Anwar inaugurated the exhibition which housed a wide range of student’s art work including drawing, paintings, designing, ceramics, photography, sketching and calligraphy.

“Each year, this annual exhibition gives us an opportunity to highlight the talents of our students,” said GCU Fine Arts Department Incharge Erfan Ullah Babar, adding that “their work proves that how creative, hard-working and talented our students really are.”

Erfan Erfan Ullah Babar told media that about 520 artworks were on display by the 53 intermediate and BFA (Hons), saying that their courses in fine arts gave students opportunities to develop creative skills, technical knowledge and values which were must to become a professional artists.

Speaking on occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hassan Amir Shah said GCU students possessed high creativity potential and would enrich the nation’s art scene. He says that arts has a great role in promoting world peace and understanding each other as it is a common language that goes well beyond all the cultural and social divisions.

Dr Ajaz Anwar lauded the efforts of GCU Fine Arts Department that has been regularly hosting arts exhibitions for the last many years. “This support to the artist community by GCU undoubtedly leads to the promotion of art in the country,” he said.

He stressed that fine arts education should be made mandatory for all students without any discrimination up to Intermediate level as it helped in expanding learning boundaries and gave motivational tools to students to unlock a deeper understanding of their education and life.

Registrar Saboor Ahmad Khan also visited the exhibition and appreciated the artwork of students.

Talking to media, GCU Fine Arts Society President Hamza Bin Faisal said that he could not explain in words how proud he feels as he stands next to his seven artworks at the exhibition. He said he had won the top prize in Still Life Competition at the exhibition. GCU students Zubair Kohkar and Arooj Irfan also secured positions in different competitions which were part of the two-day exhibition.