Artists pay tribute to Colin David

LAHORE: The city’s prominent artists on Tuesday paid tribute to Colin David. They said he was an unsung art hero who died leaving his master figurative pieces for the generation to come. One of the most popular artists of the 70s, has ultimately made his sufferings a triumph. Colin David never abandoned his muse but he showed his studio work to a selected audience. Through the years, he has exhibited regularly all across Pakistan and maintained his popularity. As the convention of art changed, he was represented by contemporary, minimal still life paintings and mysterious landscapes with barren trees, but mostly he was famous for his figurative nudes. Veteran artist Saleema Hashmi told Daily Times Colin David had taught at National College of Arts (NCA) in 1970s. As a person, she said, he had a very deep perception and a good sense of humour. “People will remember his very important presence and art techniques.” NCA former principal Prof Sajida Vandal paying rich tribute to the services rendered by David for the promotion of art termed him one of the most significant artists of his age. She said, “The NCA and the art galleries of the city must collect his public works, art pieces and writings to provide art students with future guidelines.” She said Colin David’s work was worth preserving in the history of art. Dr Ejaz Anwar said, “Colin David used to be my teacher. He was a traditionalist with a sense of beauty. His drawings conveyed an innocent celebration of nature’s handiwork.” NCA teacher Quddus Mirza said he had a lot of affiliation with Colin David. She said he was a learning treasure. Colin David was born in 1937. He did his master’s in fine arts from the Punjab University, postgraduate study at Slade School, University College, London.

Solo shows: Lahore – 1962, 1965, 1970, 1974, 1983, 1990, 1993; Karachi – 1971, 1974, 1980; Rawalpindi – 1971, 1975.

Group shows: He participated in shows in Lahore, Karachi, Bangladesh, Turkey, Jordan, Japan, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the US. His paintings are displayed at the Pakistan Arts Council, Lahore, Pakistan National Art Gallery and National Arts Gallery, Jordan. He won several national and provincial awards including the Quaid-e-Azam Award for Painting in 1979 and the President’s Pride of Performance Award in 1995. hina farooq

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