By Manzoor alam Balakoti
Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s School of Visual & Performing Arts organized a session titled “The Bridging of Academia & Industry” at Haseena Moin Hall. President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah attended the session as a special guest, while renowned artist and curator R.M. Naeem, artist Sadaf Naeem, and educationist, author, curator, and artist Saulat Ajmal expressed their views on the subject. The session was moderated by renowned artist Muhammad Zeeshan. On this occasion, renowned artist R M Naeem said that where he comes from, being an artist is considered something very bad, and that we need to correct ourselves. He said that today’s children are tomorrow’s stars and that we should pave the way for them. He stated that our galleries are selling your work, but the decision lies with you as to what you want to sell. He emphasized that we should trust in God, because if you are working only to fulfil your needs, then God will only fulfill your needs. He further said that instead of focusing on selling your work, focus on viewing it, and do not become a product. He said that to make any business bigger, it is very important to broaden one’s thinking. He stated that no parent wants to make their child bad. He said that Muhammad Zeeshan’s effort to take his work to others is a positive step. He added that we must be serious about our work, and if something is not understood, one should contact a curator without hesitation and ask questions. He further said that due to Ahmed Shah, cultural activities at Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi are at their peak, as he always continues to do something . Expressing her views, artist Sadaf Naeem said that bringing teachers and students together between academia and industry is a big achievement. She said that the new younger generation now has many work opportunities and should benefit from them. She added that for improvement in work, it is very important for students of the new generation to remain in contact with their teachers. She said that it now depends on the students how they present their work to others. She said that Allah has blessed you with abilities; we should not compete with one another, but focus on our own work. She added that we should think that we are in the stages of learning. Educationist and artist Saulat Ajmal, while speaking, said that in her view, art is life, and the process of learning always continues. She said that you have to promote art, and if someone likes your work, it is a very big thing. She said that in the bridge we are building, the role of R. M. Naeem and Zeeshan is important, and that the art industry needs an increase in teachers like them.
