Pakistani artist's artwork to be showcased at Italy's prestigious fair

A Pakistani artist, Makhdoom Arfeen Hashmi, is set to represent the country on an international forum as his contemporary art piece has been selected to be showcased at Anima Mundi Art Fair in Venice, Italy. 

The art fair, which is an international exhibition of photography, painting, video art, installation/sculpture, and performance art, will take place from April to June this year. 

Arfeen, who hails from Rahim Yar Khan, holds a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore. He is currently working as a visual artist. 

Speaking to Geo.tv, Arfeen said that he has worked with different galleries in Pakistan as well as internationally including Vienna and Venice.

"My work got selected at Anima Mundi Art Fair in Venice and I am the only Pakistani who's artwork got selected. This exhibition will begin in May and will continue for a month," he said. 

Speaking about his interest in the field of art, Arfeen said that he has been interested in art since his childhood. He said that he had planned to go to NCA and graduate in fine arts when he was in school.

The young artist said that his artwork, which will be featured at the event, is not a traditional work of art but is contemporary art. 

"My artwork focuses on my background and agriculture, how it is being destroyed and burned. It also focuses on global warming and overall situation of the world including its positive and negative aspects," he told Geo.tv. 

Arfeen said that this event takes place in Venice every year but this year, it holds more importance because it is taking at the same time as 60th Venice Biennale of Art, which is a huge event in Europe. 

"It is a huge opportunity that a Pakistani artist's contemporary art which shows Pakistan's picture is being promoted. Collectors and art lovers attend the event from all around the world," he said.