Dawn Images

In a rare confluence of artistic brilliance, three of Pakistan’s most celebrated creative minds — Jimmy Engineer, Rahat Naveed Masud, and Amna Pataudi — came together to present A Moment in Time at the National Art Gallery. The art show organised by For Art Sake and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) will remain open till May 12, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays.

The exhibition is not just a showcase of individual mastery, but a symphonic blend of vision, spirit, and storytelling. Each canvas breathes life into forgotten memories, quiet reflections, and the timeless dance of culture and identity. As their distinct styles intertwine, the trio invites art lovers to pause, to wonder, and to lose themselves in the powerful beauty of a single, unforgettable moment captured through their art.

Embarking on his professional journey in 1976, Jimmy Engineer has created over 2,000 paintings, 1,000 calligraphies, and numerous prints part of private collections worldwide. His artwork spans various genres, encompassing historical events, religious themes, landscapes, and abstract compositions.

Notably, his series on the Partition of India and depictions of Allama Iqbal’s Javed Nama are acclaimed for their emotional depth and intricate detail. In recognition of his contributions, Engineer has received numerous awards, including the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) in 2005.

Jimmy Engineer’s paintings stand out for their emotional intensity, detailed execution, and thematic boldness. His most celebrated works demonstrate a deep commitment to capturing historical and spiritual narratives. His compositions often blend realism with symbolic elements, creating visually powerful, almost cinematic scenes that evoke strong emotional responses.

Critically, while his technique shows classical influences with meticulous draftsmanship, some art critics argue that his work tends toward the overtly didactic. His paintings often prioritise message over subtlety, sometimes bordering on melodrama. The scale and ambition of his historical canvases are impressive, but they can occasionally feel overwhelming or overly sentimental.

Professor Dr Rahat Naveed Masud is one of the pioneering artists to have completed a PhD in Fine Arts (Art Practice) from London, the UK. She has been the principal of the College of Art & Design, University of Punjab, Lahore and the dean of the arts and humanities faculty. She has won several national awards in recognition of her work, showcased in exhibitions held in China, Iran, India, Korea, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Malaysia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, the US, and the UK. She is the co-author of a seminal research on the history of Punjab University’s Art College, entitled A Journey of Resilience and Success (1940-2013).

‘Beyond the Self’ is the theme of her paintings put on display in the exhibition. This body of work represents a distinct segment of the artist’s repertoire — her self-portraits. She has long held a deep interest in self-representation. These portraits serve as a visual chronicle, mapping both the personal and the socio-cultural dimensions of her lived experience, articulating a narrative that encompasses both intimate, personal experiences and broader, collective dimensions reflective of the society in which she lives. It is not just the artist that you see in these series of self-portraits but they mirror the society that we live in with all its cultural, social and political nuances. Masud’s journey spans almost four decades, belonging to the first generation that was born post-partition of the subcontinent.

Amna Ismail Pataudi is a distinguished Pakistani artist, curator, art critic, and educationalist whose multifaceted contributions have significantly enriched the nation’s art landscape. Pataudi’s paintings are renowned for their meticulous technique and profound thematic depth. She often emphasises the significance of still-life painting, considering it foundational to various art genres.

Her works frequently explore themes of heritage, identity, and spirituality, employing both traditional and contemporary techniques. Notably, her book 47 Paintings showcases artistic interpretations of world musical instruments using miniature art techniques and mixed media, reflecting her innovative approach to visual storytelling.

Originally published in Dawn, April 29th, 2025