RAWALPINDI AUG 24 (TNS): There are just a few artists who know how to make replicas of Gandharan art. Shafique Ahmed is one of the artists who have kept working despite many hurdles.
Mr Ahmed belongs to Taxila and started his career 36 years ago. He has exhibited his work in Sri Lanka and the various cities of the Rawalpindi division. Mr Ahmed at one of his exhibitions at the Rawalpindi Arts Council talked about his work.
Answering a question as to what inspired him to recreate Gandharan art he said: “The Gandhara civilization is one of the oldest in the world and the art recovered from the ruins of the civilization in Taxila has been acknowledged around the world. Taxila and its surrounding areas are known for the artists who carve stone into masterpieces.
“The art is handed down from one generation to another. Renowned artist Zardar Khan and his son Mustafa Khan taught me the art when I was 22 and when they saw I had talent, the insisted I learn the skill.
“Now, I am working to keep the art alive. Traditionally, stones from the Swat Valley are used to make Buddha statues in order to tell his story from childhood to when he became Lord Buddha. I do not use any drawings as I have memorized the images of Buddha.
“I also use Gandharan art when carving the names of Allah or the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Holy Quran verses on stone. I use kaolin, which is China clay, gypsum plaster which is also called plaster of Paris and bronze for this.
“I have been working for the last 36 years and I want to be known as an artist now, not a ‘buth faroosh’.”
By mentioning the hurdles he faced while doing his work he said: “Most religious people do not like me and say making statues is haram. I work in my house [for that I am not seen making statues]. Many people who make Gandharan art cannot work properly as they face resentment from religious circles. But things are changing. My work was recognized internationally and my art has also been displayed in the country.
“I want to hand down the skill to the younger generation as well so the work can continue and so people will continue remembering Taxila as the center for Gandharan art.”
In a response to a question if the young generation is interested in learning the art, Ahmad said: “Many people are interested in fine arts and performing arts but there is no place for them to learn Gandharan art. Gandharan art is the identity of Pakistan in the world but the art is declining due to lack of interest in it, especially of the government. The government should establish institutions where the younger generation can learn the art and where other artists and I can teach them the techniques of Gandharan art and stone carving.
“I have a cardiac disease and cannot make large statues of Buddha but I offer my services to the government for handing down the art to the younger generation. The government needs to ensure artists can work without any hurdles, especially that of extremism.”
