ISLAMABAD: The latest art exhibition that opened at Comsats University on Thursday featuring works by teachers of two universities defied the common saying `those who can`t do, teach` Over 70 paintings, prints, sculptures, drawings and installations were put on display. The 30 talented artists whose work has been featured are faculty members at Comsats and National College of Arts (NCA) Rawalpindi.

`By displaying the works of art teachers we are allowing students and instructors to connect on a different level. Students would be able to see the work of their teachers, reflect on it and learn from it,` said Farrah Mahmood Adnan, who is the curator of the show and an assistant professor at Comsats.

Most works reflected on current issues that haunt the psyche of most Pakistanis. `It is interesting to see how important issues such as terror and Islamisation of society have been dealt with, in these artistic works,` said Suleman Abbasi, a visitor to the show.

His wife, Asma Abbasi said the skill of the artists reflected in their works is impressive. `There are a variety of moods in this show,` she said.

Another visitor said the theme behind the show is difficult to decipher. `It appears that there is no one theme and the works have been put up randomly,` she said.

Many visitors spent time admiring the works by Amna Hashmi who brilliantly merged old andcontemporary art forms. She masterfully combined traditional art of illuminated manuscripts in Mughal and Persian miniature styles with comic book art.

Naqsh Raj, who teaches art at Comsats, contributed paintings based in realism. `There are no political or emotional statements in my works. I simply paint.Painting itself is an independent field,` said Naqsh Raj, who is a graduate of National College of Arts, Lahore.

Another visitor to the show, Alina Akbar, appreciated the intricate detail in Sumbal Mushtaq`a miniature paintings.

`She has done justice to miniature,` she said.The Ambassador of Cuba, Jesus Zenen Buergo Concepcion inaugurated the exhibition. `It is impressive to see an institution extending support to younger generation becoming defendants of their culture.

This will strengthen national identity. Without art there are no memories and no history,` theambassador said.

Renowned artists Aasim Akhtar and Ageel Solangi also contributed their works to the show. Akhtar presented a lead pencil on paper piece while Solangani`s paintings were based on journeys taken by the artist.

The show will continue until March 20.