MUHAMMAD ARSHAD

Arshad was born in a small town of distt. Gujranwala and raised up in a rich cultural life. He did his masters in painting from College of Art & Design University of the Punjab in 2003. Arshad's work revolves around nature and he loves to spend his time visiting reserve areas like forest. Capturing the spirit of the forest is his main interest. While painting his favorite season is autumn and medium is oil on canvass, currently he lives and works in Lahore.

Arshad received "Award of Excellence" presented by Artist Association of Punjab in 2013. He participated in art residencies "Harmony & Diversity" organized by PNCA at Gilgit, Hunza in 2004 and Tumair Village Islamabad in 2013. "Art for Climate Change" a practitioners' retreat, art residency organized by Gallery 6 Islamabad in Narran 2018. He also participated in Christies Auction for "World Food Program" held in Dubai 2012. Besides four solo exhibitions Arshad has participated in many group shows in Pakistan and abroad.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Visiting forest in autumn season is most inspiring to me, flow of branches, tinted leaves, silent reflections and soft hazy light of the winter make the depth more amazing. While capturing the spirit of

the forest, long thick grass, bushes, shrubs and vines with flowers and leaves are always fascinating. Different species of birds are integral part of the forest and their voices break the silence of mysterious wilderness and make it full of life. One thing makes me anxious that we are losing their existence in their natural habitat and I am trying to make them a part of my work.