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Piqued by lack of interest, artist shuts his gallery in Larkana

Piqued by lack of interest, artist shuts his gallery in Larkana

The gallery's founder Rizwan Umrani conver­ted his own home near Jinnahbagh roundabout into the art gallery in 1999
06 Jun, 2017

‘Mother Gal­lery’ founded by a teacher with his life’s earnings in the memory of his beloved mot­her, which served art in Larkana by holding exhibitions for 17 years, was closed down by the founder citing increasing disinterest by people in the field of arts.

The gallery’s founder Riz­wan Umrani who is himself a renowned artist has left his hometown for Karachi along with hundreds of pieces of his work but he has not yet abandoned the building nor rented it out.

Umrani said that he had set up the gallery in the memory of his mother and named it ‘Mother Gallery’ so there was no question of its success or failure or commercial viability.

Mr Umrani, who conver­ted his personal home near Jinnahbagh roundabout into the art gallery in 1999 after retirement as government teacher, said that there were no more such people in Lar­kana who loved and understood art.

He said that he had set up the gallery in the memory of his mother and named it ‘Mother Gallery’ so there was no question of its success or failure or commercial viability. Larkana had turned into ruins and he no longer wanted to live there at the age of 80, he said.

Although Umrani has not had any formal training in the arts, his work has been appreciated by art buffs
Although Umrani has not had any formal training in the arts, his work has been appreciated by art buffs

Mr Umrani embarked on an artistic career with the first exhibition in 1962. His second exhibition was inaugurated by then Prime Min­is­ter Benazir Bhutto in 1994 in Islamabad and in 1996, he held another exhibition which was inaugurated by Alys Faiz, wife of revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz in Lahore.

Mr Umrani has no formal education in arts and painting but his works are always appreciated by art lovers and experts. According to critics, Mr Umrani’s art shows strong influence of women to which he says his work is inspired by his mother.


Originally published in Dawn, June 6th, 2017

Comments

Kau Jun 06, 2017 09:31am
What a pity. The rich and powerful of Pakistan must support arts
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Desh bandhu Chopra Jun 06, 2017 10:19am
Bad luck Mr. Umrani. But you did your best, And that should be enough. People;s interest in arts is on the decline both in India and Pakistan.
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PAK-OZ Jun 06, 2017 10:34am
more pics of his work would be better here to promote his art.
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Mohsin Jun 06, 2017 10:34am
How about showcasing some of Mr. Umrani's art. I can imagine it must be very interesting.
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Riyadh Jun 06, 2017 12:47pm
Very sad that library is closed and Larkana is in ruins
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Ronnie Jun 06, 2017 01:05pm
Such a shame . The modern youth of this country has neither understanding nor appreciation of art. Without art, there can be no concept of civilization. We are engulfed by such bitterness in our society that only art can elevate our spirits and free thinking, and hopefully rid us of this uncalled intolerance. I feel for this man, his dreams and hopes for our society must have perished.
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Asif Jun 06, 2017 01:59pm
Why would people love arts now, they are more interested in watching morning and ramadan shows sitting home. This is the reality of our society which is going no where.
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Sindhology Jun 06, 2017 02:22pm
I respect and salute you sir.
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Saeed Ahmed soomro Jun 06, 2017 03:17pm
Closing down an art gallery is certainly a sad happening in the history of Larkana otherwise a rich city in terms of politics and literature. As a Larkanaite I would say that it might take centuries before the people of Larkana start loving and appreciating arts.
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NJ Jun 06, 2017 03:18pm
Its a tragedy. Art is an indicator and reflection of society. When there is a decline in interest in art it shows the general decline of society and civilization.
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Maryam Siddique Jun 06, 2017 03:44pm
Lazy and greedy people have no interest in arts. Happy people do arts but Pakistanis have many conditions to be satisfied before they feel happiness so I am not surprised there is no arts.
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Bupi Jun 06, 2017 07:17pm
Please think by such is happening it's all due that Larkana is in Sind province if it would have been in Punjab central Govrment would have helped. It's a sorry affair for Sind. None can help.
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