Pakistani Art Online

Mian Naeem

A group of young enthusiasts, headed by Mirza Ibrahim, a miniature painter and web designer, who graduated from National College of Arts, has launched the first comprehensive website and online gallery, http://www.yellowfactor.com, of theworks by pakistani artists and craftsmen.

Talking to Cutting Edge, Mirza Ibrahim said, "I worked with an American web designer, who was an art collector in his country. He asked me about Pakistani Artists and said that information about Pakistani artists was not available on internet. I was surprised to know that people in the United States and Europe have very limited information about the art scene in Pakistan. It inspired me to develop a database of Pakistani artists, so that people in any part of the world could have instant access to the visual arts of Pakistan"

He added, "Initially, it looked difficult, but with the help of some like-minded people and sponsorship, we set up a virtual art gallery for online exhibition to attract viewers and buyers from Pakistan and abroad. We charge a small amount for shipping and cash transfer services, if works on display are sold."

To put works on permanent display online, they decided to charge nominal setup charges and the funds will be utilized to display the works of the craftsmen, free of cost, who cannot afford to pay for it.

They have planned to hold solo and group shows of various artists and every show will remain online for twenty days. The first show is by an amateure photographer, Muhammad Shahbaz, a second year student of the Institute of Art and Design, Punjab University. "These days, we are negotiating with amazone.com for the sale of artworks put on display at our online gallery."

This is, in fact, an effort to connect Pakistani art with international buyers and collectors. It will promote Pakistani art and creat a positive image of our society in the comity of nations.