Since the emergence of the new nation, Pakistan artists have guided their work towards a modern standard. They have not only borrowed and used styles seen here in the United States, but Europe as well. They have also experimented with many other traditions to see if it could fit into the modern style. Shakir Ali was a well known artist in Europe and when he emerged most prevalently in the 1950’s, he taught and later became principal of the prestigious National College of Arts. From Europe Ali was able to bring back an acquired knowledge of Cézanne and the visual art style of Cubism. "Ali's focused more on simplifying and heavily outlining images of people, animals, and objects that reflect a familiarity with Primitivism, a style developed in Europe yet influenced by Eastern art (Atteqa 2000)." One thing that I find most interesting is that most of the artest came from Europe and later developed an Eastern art style to create and become so well known in area such as Pakistan.
Anna Molka Ahmed, also brought some unique styles to Pakistani art. Coming from Europe and more specifically London, she arrived in Lahore where she spread her impressionistic style. Ahmed’s biggest achievement could arguably be when she received the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, the highest civil award for her contributions in the field of fine arts.
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/wepk/hd_wepk.htm
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Pakistan Architecture
Two of the countries biggest architectural achievements have proved to be the Mazar-e-Quaid and the Pakistan Monument. The Mazar-e-Quaid is located in Karachi near the very center of the city. It was built in honor of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and is actually his resting spot or tomb. The makeup of the structure is actually quite unique, made of marble with a dome shaped top. What is interesting about this and the way the built this is that it really comes alive at night. They put spot lights facing it and at night the Mazar-e-Quaid is very beautiful and can be seen for miles.
The Pakistan Monument was just recently finished in 2006. The structure was built in honor of the nation’s four provinces and three territories. The monument is in the shape of a blooming flower which symbolizes the fast growth of Pakistan as a developing country as seen in the picture above. The four large petals represent the four provinces where the three smaller petals represent the territories. This monument really captures Pakistan in a whole. It helps portray that they are trying to better improve and grow as a country. I think this is an amazing architectural design that really captures my eye and im sure many others.
http://www.punjabheritage.org/content/view/1298/28/
Monday, May 18, 2009
Contemporary Pakistan Clothing
For the more traditional clothing in Pakistan one tends to see more normal type to of dress attire like from this picture. One can see most males will wear a scarf that drapes over their shoulders compared to the women they will either do the same with a larger scarf or drape it over their head as well. Clothing a bit different when it comes to most cultures because in Pakistan it is cheaper to have your clothes seemed and made then it is to buy them from a store. The reason because cloth is cheaper so people find that buying cloth and paying a very cheap fee for a seamstress to hem ones cloths is actually cheaper over there. Compared to the U.S. that would actually be alot more expensive to do that then to just buy your cloths from a store. it is funny to see how different their society is when it comes to buying and selling cloths. One could say it is the complete opposite to most cultures and to me that makes makes this country so unique and interesting.
Pakistan Cuisine
Pakistan cuisine has a very traditional taste for any one who is not familiar to this sort of cooking. For instance i am a new face when it comes to trying Pakistan food and from my experience i felt that same epiphany that Pakistan food is very traditional. The Kinds of food one seems to see a lot with Pakistan food is a blend of curry and Greekish tastes. i am not sure if the Pakistan culture got any ideas from the Greek culture in their cooking, but it sure does taste like there is a bit Olivevy taste for those who have eaten this delicacy. When it comes to Pakistan food i feel that one can sort of get the idea of how much time and effort goes into every dish that is made. since this country is still a little behind in times, one tends to taste that in the cooking as well. For me i find Pakistan food to be a little to much seasons for my tasting but if you are one who likes lots of flavor blends and strong taste, Pakistan food is right for you.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Tidbit about Urban Culture in Pakistan
In Pakistan the urban culture greatly varies among regions due to the vast amount of ethnic diversity. Despite some differences the culture as a whole is extremely rich in religion, traditions, and family values.
As a whole Pakistani society is largely multilingual and is 96% Muslim. The family values shared as a society are overwhelming and consistent across the nation. Urban families have grown into a nuclear family system due to several factors but largely due to economic reasons. It’s interesting to think about the comparisons and differences between Pakistani culture and U.S culture. I think you might see a parallel among a lot of things especially family values and traditions, however I bet one would see more consistency in Pakistan as opposed to the U.S. Much of these cultural practices have derived from past influences, specifically the Mughals among others.
Of late we have seen the emergence of a middle class in Pakistan in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and others. This is probably a start to a more liberal society as opposed to western Pakistan (near Afghanistan) where conservative cities and villages are. Also prevalent among urban culture as well as Pakistani culture in general is a strong following in religion. If you were to compare religion in the U.S to religion in Pakistan the devout following and dedication are on two completely different levels. Religious practices and various faiths are a part of EVERYDAY activity in Pakistan, an aspect of their life for the most part completely absent from the American lifestyle.
Although there are many things particular to Pakistan’s urban culture the tradition, religion, and stress on family in general seem to be the three most important factors in everyday life. I do think you can compare many aspects of culture between our country and Pakistan however the differences definitely outweigh the comparisons. What do you think?
As a whole Pakistani society is largely multilingual and is 96% Muslim. The family values shared as a society are overwhelming and consistent across the nation. Urban families have grown into a nuclear family system due to several factors but largely due to economic reasons. It’s interesting to think about the comparisons and differences between Pakistani culture and U.S culture. I think you might see a parallel among a lot of things especially family values and traditions, however I bet one would see more consistency in Pakistan as opposed to the U.S. Much of these cultural practices have derived from past influences, specifically the Mughals among others.
Of late we have seen the emergence of a middle class in Pakistan in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and others. This is probably a start to a more liberal society as opposed to western Pakistan (near Afghanistan) where conservative cities and villages are. Also prevalent among urban culture as well as Pakistani culture in general is a strong following in religion. If you were to compare religion in the U.S to religion in Pakistan the devout following and dedication are on two completely different levels. Religious practices and various faiths are a part of EVERYDAY activity in Pakistan, an aspect of their life for the most part completely absent from the American lifestyle.
Although there are many things particular to Pakistan’s urban culture the tradition, religion, and stress on family in general seem to be the three most important factors in everyday life. I do think you can compare many aspects of culture between our country and Pakistan however the differences definitely outweigh the comparisons. What do you think?
Contemporary Literature
It must be said that contemporary literature in a way parallels other aspects of Pakistani culture. What I mean by this is the slow forming nature that seems to be a lingering issue with this developing country. Since 1947 the literature aspect of Pakistani culture was slow to find its identity, however of late the country has established itself in a literary sense.
With new authors coming out with award winning novels it’s easy to see a positive trend occurring. We can probably blame the late establishment factor for the slow development but it’s good to see Pakistan emerging from its neighbor and former countries shadow India. I wonder however why it’s taken this long for Pakistan to start producing great authors? Of course there’s been some talented writers but nothing compared to the vast amount we’ve seen throughout these recent years. One author, Mohsin Hamid, has excelled in particular. Mohsin Hamid has written two novels, first Moth Smoke, and his most famous and latest book The Reluctant Fundamentalist. In his latest book Hamid was recognized and short listed for the Booker Prize, a renowned literary award.
Like I said earlier, the recent years have been the most successful for Pakistan literature, but how successful should Pakistan be? In terms of where Pakistan can be I would bet that if the literacy rate improved we would also see a rise in quality literature. At nearly 50% Pakistan is finds itself near the bottom of the literacy list. By improving this statistic but more specifically education itself should be priority number one for politicians.
Despite some let downs and a slow start, Pakistan appears to be moving rather quickly in the right direction. With old authors being recognized and new authors making their mark, one can only predict a bright future for contemporary Pakistani literature.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/feb/17/fiction-pakistan-hanif
With new authors coming out with award winning novels it’s easy to see a positive trend occurring. We can probably blame the late establishment factor for the slow development but it’s good to see Pakistan emerging from its neighbor and former countries shadow India. I wonder however why it’s taken this long for Pakistan to start producing great authors? Of course there’s been some talented writers but nothing compared to the vast amount we’ve seen throughout these recent years. One author, Mohsin Hamid, has excelled in particular. Mohsin Hamid has written two novels, first Moth Smoke, and his most famous and latest book The Reluctant Fundamentalist. In his latest book Hamid was recognized and short listed for the Booker Prize, a renowned literary award.
Like I said earlier, the recent years have been the most successful for Pakistan literature, but how successful should Pakistan be? In terms of where Pakistan can be I would bet that if the literacy rate improved we would also see a rise in quality literature. At nearly 50% Pakistan is finds itself near the bottom of the literacy list. By improving this statistic but more specifically education itself should be priority number one for politicians.
Despite some let downs and a slow start, Pakistan appears to be moving rather quickly in the right direction. With old authors being recognized and new authors making their mark, one can only predict a bright future for contemporary Pakistani literature.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/feb/17/fiction-pakistan-hanif
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Pakistan Clothing
There are many conservative areas in Pakistan, but today there is a various mix of traditions and cultures in the clothing. Though some people wear the western style clothing, a lot of people still wear the traditional clothing. The traditional Pakistani dress is the Salwar kameez. Salwars are loose fitting trousers designed in various styles and the kameez is a loose fitting tunic that is worn with the salwars. Salwar kameez is an important clothing worn for festivities celebrated in Pakistan by both men and women. Different colors, fits, and silhouettes are used to help distinguish between the men and women's salwar kameez. Lace in different patterns is used to add femininity to the kameez. Women also wear dupattas, which are long yards of cloth worn with the kameez, because there pattern and color are matched to fit their outfit.
As you can see in the picture this is a shop at a market in Karachi were people go and buy the fabric to be made into clothing such as salwar kameez. From what I know it is cheaper to get clothing made from these shops rather than buy an outfit already made at a store. This traditional clothing is what I have always assumed people in Pakistan always wore. Some people have started to wear more of a western style, but the traditional clothing is still worn, because of its comfort and tradition. I think that many people stick more with the traditional clothing because they do not want to change what they have always known to wear. Because it is tradition some people may not want to go against that.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pakistan-traditional-clothing.html
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