This week 50 years ago KMC art gallery and 'poetic genius'.

THE week began on an artistic note when on Jan 31, 1973 the young and talented artist Nahid Ali displayed her new paintings at the Arts Council. The exhibition was inaugurated by Nejat Diyarbekirli, visiting professor of fine arts at the State Fine Arts Academy in Istanbul. According to a critic, Nahid had moved ahead of cubism in her quest for better results. In comparison with her earlier works seen at the Indus Art Gallery sometime back, the new exhibits revealed her maturity in the use of colours. She had also done very well in her treatment of space and form, achieving a certain depth which lifted the paintings. The Turkish professor praised the artworks for their sensitive colours and artistic beauty.

Since Karachi and cultural vibrancy have always been synonymous, the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) for a long time had been contemplating to build an art gallery where, apart from organising a variety of shows, it could keep the private collection of the distinguished Fayzee Rahamin family. Unfortunately, on Feb 3, it was reported that the plan for constructing a gallery and museum for housing precious art treasures and private collections of the Rahamin family was dropped by the KMC. The blueprint for the cultural space and the architectural plan had been approved a few months ago by the corporation. The building was to cost about Rs500,000 in its first phase to be constructed on the site of the Aiwan-i-Riffat on Ingle Road adjacent to the Arts Council. The museum hall was to accommodate 100 paintings, 350 textile pieces, about 50 other articles including jewellery, manuscripts, calligraphy, coins, medals and 25 samples for display of...