The most awaited Nigaah Art Awards was celebrated on August 26 at Mohatta Palace, Karachi, to honour and acknowledge the artists of Pakistan.

Art patrons, art gallery owners, painters, sculptors, photographers and other artists were present to witness art celebrated in various genres.

Tauqeer Muhajir, editor and publisher of Nigaah Art Magazine, in his welcoming address, stressed on the significance of recognizing the talent of Pakistani artists and promoting art through such programmes.

Hameed Haroon, who chaired the jury of Nigaah Art Awards, showed his full support to encourage and honour artists through such initiatives.

The jury members, including Amra Ali, Adil Salahuddin, Marjorie Husain, R.M. Naeem and Taimur Ahmed Suri, were present at the occasion.

Among other notable names from the art fraternity who graced this programme included Salima Hashmi, Shehnaz Ismail, NoorJehan Bilgrami, Sameera Raja, Riffat Alvi, Farrukh Shahab and A.S. Rind.

Among presenters were distinguished guests including Rehana Hakim, editor-in-chief of Newsline Magazine; Rainer Schmiedchen, Counsul General of Germany; Ayesha Tammy Haq, TV anchorperson, and many other names from the business, social and educational fields.

The programme reflected the true essence of art through its modest yet engaging entertaining segments including sitar and tabla performance by Shehroz Hussain and Wajahat Ali, Dastaan Goyee, an Urdu narrative by Fawwad Khan, live painting by artist Farrukh Shahab, and auction of paintings.

The proceeds of the auction to be used for providing scholarships to art students.

The grand finale was the Lifetime Achievement Awards given to Ms Salima Hashmi and Ms Marjorie Hussain.

Aimed as an annual programme, this year's Nigaah prize was given in a total of 13 categories of work displayed during January 2016 to June 2017.

Source: Khaleej Times