Art gains as borders soften

With the softening of borders between the two countries, artists from India and Pakistan are probably gaining the most.

The latest to benefit are the Pakistani father-daughter duo who recently unveiled their maiden painting exhibition in Delhi.

For painters Ghulam Rasul and his daughter Maryam Rasul it's nothing short of a "dream coming true".

"I was born in Jalandhar before Partition. I would often wonder that even if after almost 40 years of painting, if I was not able to put up an exhibition at my place of birth, then what's the use? I was keen to come here with my works," says Ghulam, one of the most sought-after painters in Islamabad.

Ghulam admits his greatest desire to display his paintings in India was made possible only after the countries began inching towards peace and harmony.

"That the countries are now focusing on people-to-people contact has certainly played a great role in facilitating such cultural exchange. Who could have thought of such events 10-15 years ago," he says.

Ghulam who has studied printmaking from Norhern Illinois University, US, has won many awards and accolades for his work, including the Pakistani President Award for Pride of Performance.

He has participated in several solo shows across Pakistan and many group shows at UK, USA, Japan, Brazil, Singapore, Romania and of course now India. 

While Ghulam always knew painting was his calling, his daughter, 38-year-old Maryam Rasul wanted to become everything but a painter.

"It just happened. Before I could realise, I found myself pursuing Masters in Fine Arts. After that I began to take painting seriously and knew it would satisfy my creative juices," she says.

Interestingly it happens to be Maryam's first major exhibition abroad and she's "very glad" it's in India.

The younger Rasul feels as the times have changed, the Pakistani art scene has evolved and is "very encouraging" for artists, more so women.

"Earlier there would be apprehensions if a woman would want to do something like this, but today things have definitely changed. Today, people have become more liberal and there is acceptance. But again it depends on your background also. I was always encouraged to paint since we had a creative environment at my home," she says.

Though both father and daughter derive inspiration from nature, they have chosen different subjects. While Ghulam prefers landscape art, figure compositions comprise Maryam's style.

Similarly, if Ghulam appreciates the works of his Indian counterparts like Satish Gujral, Jatin Das, Manjit Bawa, A Ramachandran and Krishen Khanna, the daughter is "influenced" by European artists and "adores" Amrita Shergill. 

As the "warm response" from India sinks in, the duo refuse to draw any comparisons between the painters across the border.

"Either art moves you or not, either it is good or bad. It can't be Indian or Pakistani," is his parting shot.