R AWALPINDI: A five-day calligraphy exhibition featuring the work of Azeem Iqbal was inaugurated at the Rawalpindi Arts Council on Thursday by Punjab government spokesperson Usman Saeed Basra.

Around 60 pieces by Mr Iqbal are on display at the exhibition. The artist used traditional methods to inscribe Quranic verses on handmade paper, leather and gold leaf, and his use of precious stones made the work even more interesting.

Mr Iqbal exhibited work in bright colours and various styles, including Kufi, Nastalig and Jalli.

He told Dawn that he used older calligraphy methods for his pieces using handmade paper, leather, fabric and wood.

`The basic reason for using wood, leather and handmade paper was to inform the new generation of traditional calligraphy methods. In the early days of Islam, the Quran was written on differentmediums. Calligraphers of that era used many writing styles to transcribe the manuscript of the holy book,` he said.

Mr Basra said calligraphy is a tradition of Islamic values and a medium to present a softer image of Pakistan.

He described the exhibition as unique, adding that the artist used methods similar to those used to write the Quran.

`We have to promote such exhibitions to introduce our artists to the extensive forms of art and culture as well as Islamic values,` he said.

He said Pakistani artists had made their place in the world through their sl(ills as painters and calligraphers, adding that the government was working to promote artists neglected in society in the past. He said the government was providing financial assistance and a platform for their to showcase their talent.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed spoke in his opening remarks about the history and importance of calligraphy, saying it was an art used to present religion and teachings to the world.

He said Mr Iqbal had gained a respectable position in a very short time because of his style.

`Azeem`s calligraphic work is decorated with floral and geometric patterns in the oriental tradition,` he said.