By Marian Joseph
The arts culture of Pakistan is an amazing fusion of inspirations drawn from aesthetics and values of different communities residing in the country. The art, which evolved over the years because of socio-political impact, is popularly notable and appreciated across the world. World known Australian artist Damon Kowarsky, graduate of Victorian College of Arts and exchange student at RMIT University Glasgow School of Arts with multiple global residencies to his credit, chose to study miniature art from Pakistan, has travelled to this country multiple times in a period of almost 20 years. Through his exhibitions held in Pakistan, and especially abroad he’s on a mission to sketch peaceful coexistence. In an exclusive interview with Peaceful Pakistan, Kowarsky talks about the greatness of Pakistan.
1: How did your story of ‘Pakistan’ start?
It was in 1997, I was a student at university when I had a chance to travel to Pakistan, India and Iran during summer holidays. In Pakistan, I met with some very inspirational people in Pakistan, especially Nusrat Latif Qureshi of miniature department at National College of Arts who introduced me to miniature art of Pakistan. Later on during one of my trips I met Sabeen Raja at a residency she was holding via UNESCO. Much impressed by miniature art of Pakistan, I was put in touch with Samila Hashmi and I learnt it from here at NCA in 2012. It’s almost 20 years now that I am visiting Pakistan and I’m coming again in February next year.
2: What were your impressions while visiting Pakistan for the first time?
Pakistan in 1997 was very different. There was no war on terrorism. My local folks were amused to hear I’m travelling to Pakistan because back then they hadn’t heard much about it. Prior to visiting Pakistan, I had visited Africa and I can say it with even today Pakistan is far better than Africa. There’s simply no comparison. I met such nice people who would go extra miles to accommodate you. I’ve always had good time in Pakistan.
3: What keeps bringing you back to Pakistan?
I have great affection for Pakistan. Some of my best friends come from Pakistan, and it’s the people that keep me coming back. I enjoy their company and we’ve always stayed in touch. The hospitality of Pakistani people is a great attraction for me. Even if you call someone late night they’ll be up to help you, or even dine out with you. When I came back home I cooked six meals a day every night but everyone thought it was absurd to eat late night on a weekday. Here in Australia, if you call someone at 11pm they’ll assume it’s because your mom is dead!!!!
4: People are so fond of comparing Pakistan with its neighbouring country. What’s your opinion?
Actually there’s no comparison at all! I visited India as a tourist and it wasn’t very memorable. I have never been there as an art teacher or for work or study, therefore, I don’t have any deep friends in India like I have in Pakistan. I personally feel in a way not having an overflow of tourism in Pakistan has its own advantages as the interaction you experience with people is genuine. In India, people are nice, but they aren’t genuinely interested in strange or different people visiting them. People in Pakistan are more interested in you, and they want to entertain you no matter what.
5: Starting from your first exhibition in Pakistan, how has been your experience?
I had my first exhibition in 2007 at Alhamra titled “Home and Away” inspired by a terrible soap opera. People think Australia is all about kangaroos, and so I brought something with me to show who we actually are. The exhibition was widely accepted by the people here. My second exhibition in 2009 was called ‘Desi.’ It was a collection of memories and experiences I had in Pakistan. I took home with me the images I had sketched here and refined them in my studio back home. In 2010, I exhibited my collection ‘Perdesi.’ It was Alhamra in Lahore and Rohtas in Islamabad and Indus Valley in Karachi. In 2014, I did ‘Garden City’ – a tribute to Lahore in Colours art gallery. Initially, my work included cityscapes but being in this collection was nature inspired.
6: How has your experience been with artists from Pakistan?
It’s amazing and as I said it’s the people who keep me coming back to Pakistan. I’ve done some collaborations with other artists but one of the interesting experiences was with the print maker Atif Khan. In 2011, he asked me to collaborate on a project. We exchanged our work one at a time and added our own creativity to it. By the end, we had altered twenty images made by us. We met again in 2012 and worked on the project, which was a great experience for me.
7: As an artist how do you find the culture and customs of Pakistan?
There’s a strong emphasis on kindness and hospitality, so much that it embarrasses me sometimes when strangers come forward to help you or treat you with a free meal.
In terms of art and culture, it’s simply is phenomenal. Lahore is capital of art and culture, and Pakistani artists have exhibited their work world over. Given whatever the problems are right now, it’s highly phenomenal as it’s deeply rooted. The art culture in itself is as old as the Indus Civilization that is ingeniously adapting contemporary trends. For instance, Atif Khan is a digital artist but his work presents century old traditions. It’s flexible and there’s a strong fusion of history and modernity.
8: Why did you choose to learn miniature art from Pakistan? Have you tried the traditional art of calligraphy?
Pakistan has amazing miniature art. That’s the reason why I chose Pakistan over Iran and India. As I said the people here, especially the miniature artists are amazing. By the way, the miniature art of India hasn’t won the heart of people globally as Pakistan has. One of the persons worth mentioning in this context is Shazia Sikandar. Her miniature paintings are spectacular.
I came across the magnificent art of calligraphy in a collection by Atif Khan. I just completed a collection in collaboration with a noble artist, and have also collaborated with some poets on works that include texts in Arabic and English.
9: Would you encourage your friends and fellow artists to visit Pakistan?
Why not!!! I encourage my friends and fellow artists to come to Pakistan all the time. I have travelled to many countries, even Egypt and Yamen. I feel people should visit Pakistan to know for themselves how lovely these people are. One shouldn’t pay heed to what the media says cos unless one won’t meet the people one to one, you cannot draw opinions on how good or bad a country is. One of my Korean friend, Hyunju Kim, visited Pakistan last year and helped NCA reopen its department for Lithography that had been closed for 30 years. She’s returning again next year with me for more collaborative work.
10: As an advocate of art and culture, what’s your message on peaceful coexistence?
I’ve travelled a lot and there hasn’t been any place where I didn’t meet anyone with a positive aura. There are good people everywhere having gentle personalities. Don’t let larger powers destroy your perception on peaceful coexistence. Pakistan is blessed with cultural diversity. In 2009, I travelled to Rajistan with students of Beconhouse University. It was an eye opening experienced as I discovered people of all faiths and culture can be so welcoming. My story of Pakistan is full of good people and good experiences. Don’t let rivalries make you lose hope. Pursue peace because peace is a people’s business!
