An exhibition of inspiring and illustrative prints with vibrant creative compositions by renowned artist and printmaker Damon Kowarsky is on at the Rohtas Art Gallery. A collaboration between the Australian High Commission and the Rohtas Art Gallery, the exhibition titled ‘Here and There …’ brings together Kowarsky’s paintings on vasli, prints and charcoal drawings.

The work on display is a contemporary reflection of the creative ideas that dominated the artistic thought process since time immemorial that always revolved around three basic elements — style, technique and subject matter. All isms of art bring forth distinctions in these three aspects and Kowarsky’s prints done in subtle and earthly hues emanate his creative energies in a soft yet bold effort to capture the blend of human existence amidst architectural grandeur.

Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward inaugurated the exhibition and appreciated the work of the artist on display as an enigmatic expression of the contemporary world of art.

From Rawalpindi to Melbourne, from Gulberg to Istanbul, from Nila Gombat to Nubar Street, Kowarsky’s titles and prints present his creative endeavour as a travelogue, with him as a time traveller. Architecture and the colours of earth and sky seem to inspire much of Kowarsky’s work. He weaves his creative concepts based on his travels to cities geographically and culturally far removed from each other yet joined on the grounds of the connection between a man and a city. The solitary, pensive, and introspective figure against the subtle architectural imagery of a city invokes emotive cords unique to each viewer. With a postmodern edge, his works continues to inspire the art lovers in both personal and public relevance that carry a unique symbolism of the continuity of life amidst cosmic realities.

Damon Kowarsky studied printmaking at the VCA and Glasgow School of Art and Advanced Figure Drawing with Godwin Bradbeer at RMIT. He has exhibited regularly in Australia and abroad and worked as a scientific, courtroom, and archaeological illustrator. In 2002 he assisted on a dig for the Dakhleh Oasis Project Egypt.

In 2007, he taught drawing at Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, and studied miniature painting under Murad Mumtaz and Mahreen Zuberi. In 2010, he taught printmaking at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, and held a successful solo exhibition at Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore.

The recipient of numerous prizes and awards, including a Toyota Community Spirit Artist Travel Award and Collie Trust Scholarship, Kowarsky has travelled extensively in South Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Kowarsky exhibits regularly in Australia and abroad. He is currently working on prints inspired by travels in Japan, Korea, and the USA, and working collaboratively with Kyoko Imazu and Mohammad Atif Khan. In addition to art, Kowarsky has worked as an archaeological and scientific illustrator. He has taught drawing and printmaking in Lahore and Karachi and taken part in a dig with the Dakhleh Oasis Project in the western deserts of Egypt.

Kowarsky’s print exhibition would continue at the Rohtas Art Gallery (House no. 57-B, Street 26, Sector F-6/2) till November 16.