ISLAMABAD: A group exhibition showcasing a combination of realism, surrealism, expressionism and abstraction by renowned artists at Gallery 6 continues to attract the art lovers of the federal city.The show titled "9 Narratives", which started on October 6, displayed about 35 art pieces showcasing a combination of realism, surrealism, expressionism and abstraction.The nine acclaimed artists participated in the show include AS Rind, Abrar Ahmed, Akbar Hafeez, Arjumand Faisal, Hajra Mansoor, Irshad Salim, Mughees Riaz, Shahla Rafi and Zakir Baloch.Rind, a Karachi based artist has communicated his emotions through a new vocabulary of expression, reflecting moods and thoughts in impressive compositions. In a highly creative painting, which is an example of his progress in the new direction, Rind has created a red portrait that has prominent features, with a black crow sitting on the head of the figure. The texture created by the use of strokes and colours adds significantly to the composition.Karachi's popular artist Ahmed, artwork features a reflection of Gandhara images, pictures of Indian miniature paintings and Bengali art.Rafi expressed her landscapes not only through her eyes and mind, but also through the longing of her soul with the soil. The paintings touched the viewer at a level that is deeper than the merely visual.Salim from the US, compositions were the creative outpourings of his limitless energies. In his work, one can realize a complex relationship between simplification, stylisation and sensitivity.

The emerging artist Baloch from Quetta used a photo realistic image of a newspaper, wrapped around objects giving an illusion to the viewers. The shadows of the papers added a third dimension to a two-dimensional painting and make it pleasing for the human eye.Hafeez, another Karachi-based artist is not merely an artist but also a designer of interiors, furniture and accessories. His main subjects of the paintings are women, mostly with long necks, a symbol of beauty in the subcontinent, in dreamy states with very distinct cat-like eyes from greenish-yellow to golden or copper-like tints.Faisal, also the curator of Gallery 6 is a public health specialist. He had the opportunity of very close interactions in his young age with leading painters of Pakistan. In this show, he has contributed four paintings from his 'Malka, Aliya, Laila' series.Mansoor is known for her strong and energetic lines, powerful compositions and ornately decorated women exuding an aura of romanticism. Although a strong proponent of oriental traditions, the artist gives a contemporary feel to her art, thereby endearing it to both the East as well as the West.

Riaz, has been painting professionally since he graduated in 1999 with a Master's in fine arts. Riaz's sense of connectivity to his motherland attracts the viewers more towards his works because of the shared field of experience and shared heritage. He participated in the exhibition with two distinct themes.

The exhibition will continue until today (Wednesday).