LAHORE (Daily Point) — LAHORE: Renowned artist and filmmaker Mumtaz Hussain launched his book Portrait in Words at the National College of Arts (NCA) on Tuesday, accompanied by a screening of his acclaimed feature film Art=(Love)².
During the event, Hussain, a graphic designer and storyteller, offered insights into his latest collection of short stories. Each narrative was uniquely brought to life through a mime dance performance, adding an artistic dimension to the evening.
Waleed Iqbal, a close friend of Hussain, praised him as a remarkable short story writer and reflected on select stories from the book. Jamal Shah, a noted artist, filmmaker, and former caretaker minister for culture, shared fond memories of his time at NCA with Hussain, congratulating him on the book and lauding his achievements in filmmaking.
The book, comprising 14 stories, delves into profound social and political issues, exploring themes of human conflict, class disparity, personal attachments, and societal dissatisfaction. Hussain’s narrative style shifts between stark realism and embedded mythology, offering readers a distinctive lens through which to view the complexities of life. His work challenges traditional norms, making it both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
The event also featured the screening of Art=(Love)², a film that intertwines love with spiritual philosophy. The movie has garnered multiple accolades, including the Merit Award at the Lucerne International Film Festival in Switzerland, the Best Cinematography Award at the Jaipur International Film Festival in India, the Platinum Reel Award at the Nevada Film Festival in the USA, and the Gold Award at the Prestige Film Festival, USA. It has also been officially selected for prestigious festivals such as the Delhi International Film Festival and Vegas Cine Fest in the USA.
Mumtaz Hussain’s journey in the arts began in 1979 when he joined NCA. During his time there, he contributed to the decoration of Sheikh Zaid bin Sultan’s palace in Karachi. In 1983, he moved to London to study European art forms and subsequently relocated to New York, where he pursued graphic design at the School of Visual Arts and filmmaking.
Hussain’s illustrious career includes serving as art director for Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Simon & Schuster. His repertoire spans numerous Urdu short story collections, plays, films, and paintings. Notable works include Soul of Civilization, This is My Pakistan, Inside You, Push Button For, and Butterfly Screams. His plays, The Barking Crow, Legal Alien, and Virus Bomb, have been performed in New York. His artistic contributions have been showcased at international film festivals, universities, museums, and galleries worldwide.
