Page 22 - Hues of Diversity II

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Akram Dost Baloch is among the founding faculty of the Fine Arts Department at
University of Balochistan (Pakistan). He grew up with an in-depth knowledge of history,
arts and crafts of his region and much of that background is incorporated in his work.

Akram has been working with wood for the sure pleasure of the process involved. His
studio in Quetta (Pakistan) contains a variety of work in progress, paintings with
decorative frames, screens containing painted panels and compositions of wood that
reflect his different moods. His work is a reflection of his own personal aesthetic issues,
assimilating nature with life and suggesting that all are endangered species. In 2004,
Akram Baloch received the President's Pride of Performance, the highest art award in
Pakistan.

Akram Dost Baloch is now a recognized name in the art circles of Pakistan and abroad
for his ethnic paintings and sculpture with international appeal. His artistic sensibilities
are rooted in his childhood. As a sensitive child he was aware of the distinctions and
distortions found among human beings around. He grew up with in-depth knowledge
of the history and arts and crafts of the area. He also took interest in the
archaeological finds of Balochistan. With local motifs and bright palette he has been
commenting on the social issues of Balochistan on his canvases for the past many years.
Dost is a witness to the despair and grief of a people plagued by the iniquities of an
unjust and divided society since his infancy. He saw people who never had
experienced basic human rights. He witnessed the injustice done to religion and rule of
law so that the system was made comfortable for a few who claimed to be the
Sardars. As a result, the majority suffered anger and despair. Gifted with a creative
sensibility Akram Dost found an outlet for his anger and despair for the oppressive
system through painting. His protesting and yet aesthetic paintings, carvings and relief
express the 3D of his caliber. His protesting and defiant paintings and sculptures bear
a strong tinge of his soil. He has beautified his relief works with miniature like local
motifs. These motifs have been picked up from Balochi embroidery, panels of
woodwork, and his personal sensibilities. He also incorporates nature's blemishes in his
artworks.

Akram Dost Baloch is Chairman of University of Baluchistan Quetta; recipient of
Presidential Pride of Performance Award, he graduated from National College of
Arts Lahore. He is a very well known painter and travels all over the world to
participate in famous international shows.

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