Discovering Belgian Art

A series of art-appreciation lectures by Mariano Akerman
International Year of Cultural Diversity
Pakistan 2008



Abstract. Among the major achievements of the Belgian artists are the development of the oil painting technique, the fostering of new pictorial styles, the depiction of remarkable images, real and invented, and what may be the most incredible questioning of the concept of Reality in the history of Western art. Art historian Mariano Akerman reveals the originality of a select group of Belgian masterpieces, examining their style and meanings, historical context, aesthetic qualities and raison d’être. Akerman discusses a select group of Belgian masterpieces, appreciating them from new and unexpected perspectives.



Mariano Akerman was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1963. He was educated at the School of Architecture of Universidad de Belgrano. Abroad, he has researched the work of the painter Francis Bacon and that of architect Louis Kahn. A painter himself, Mariano Akerman has exhibited his artwork solo or in group in Argentina, Spain, Japan, Philippines and Sweden. He has been awarded with twelve major international distinctions and prizes.

01.05.08 - Alexandre Tchikovani, Directeur, Alliance Française de Karachi. ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE KARACHI, May-June 2008, p. 11, illus.
Conférence: La découverte de l’art belge - The Discovery of Belgian Art
Mariano Akerman, historien d’art, expose la singularité et l’originalité d’un groupe sélectionné de chefs d’œuvre. Il examine leur style et signification, leur contexte historique, leur qualités esthétiques et raisons d’être, en les appréciant d’une façon inattendue et innovatrice. Mariano Akerman est né à Buenos Aires, Argentine, en 1963. Il a été élevé à l’École d’Architecture de l’Universidad de Belgrano. Spécialiste en communication visuelle, Monsieur Akerman s’intéresse à l’art moderne et à l’art belge en particulier. Il a donne des conférences sur ce sujet dans des institutions renommées, en incluant le Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes à Buenos Aires el le National Museum of the Filipino People à Manille. Également peintre, Mariano Akerman a exposé ses peintures et collages en Argentine, Espagne, Japon, Philippines et Suède. Il a reçu vingt prix et distinctions internationales.

08.06.08 - Danka Team - DANKA KARACHI
Art Historian Mariano Akerman revealing the Singularity and Originality of Belgian Masterpieces
A conference featuring the Art Historian Mariano Akerman [...] will be held at AFK, on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 pm.

09.06.08 - Umair Shaid - DOODH PATTY, online → link
The Discovery of Belgian Art
Art Historian Mariano Akerman reveals the singularity and originality of a select group of Belgian masterpieces. He examines their style and meaning, historical context, aesthetic qualities and raison d’être, appreciating them from unexpected, innovative perspectives. Mariano Akerman was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1963. He was educated at the School of Architecture of Universidad de Belgrano. Abroad, he researched the work of the painter Francis Bacon and that of architect Louis Kahn. A painter himself, Mariano Akerman has exhibited his artwork solo or in group in Argentina, Spain, Japan, Philippines and Sweden. He has been awarded with twenty major international distinctions and prizes.

13.06.08 - THE DAILY TIMES, Karachi, Vol. V, No. 163, sect. B, p. 2, illus.
Time Out: Today
The Alliance Française de Karachi is holding a conference on ‘The Discovery of Belgian Art’ by Mariano Akerman, Art Historian, on Friday 13 June at 7:00 pm at the AFK. Art Historian Mariano Akerman reveals the singularity and originality of a select group of Belgian masterpieces. He examines their style and meaning, historical context, aesthetic qualities and raison d’être, appreciating them from unexpected, innovative perspectives. Mariano Akerman was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1963. He was educated at the School of Architecture of Universidad de Belgrano. Abroad, he researched the work of the painter Francis Bacon and that of architect Louis Kahn. A painter himself, Mariano Akerman has exhibited his artwork solo or in group in Argentina, Spain, Japan, Philippines and Sweden. He has been awarded with twenty major international distinctions and prizes. Alliance Française de Karachi, Plot St. 1 Block 8 Kehkashan Clifton, 5873402, 5862864

14.06.08 - Salman Peerzada - DAWN NEWS, Karachi, ills.
Karachi: Between Reality and Fantasy
The underlying theme of Mariano Akerman’s discussion was the progression of Belgian art from the 15th century to the first half of the 20th century, with special reference to the World Wars. The intention was to celebrate cultural diversity, and so he did with remarkable facility. Mr Akerman quite convincingly described how Belgian artists mastered the technique of oil painting, and with the passage of time, as socio-political changes took place, moved (perhaps transcended) from the realism that catered to a certain (autocratic) taste to the symbolism that depicted not only the inner grief of painters but signified the upheavals or ordeals that society was undergoing. In his rather French-laden English, he tried to connect the dots vis-à-vis the class disparities that existed in the 15th and 16th centuries and the advent of the industrial revolution to the horrors of the World Wars. With the help of images of [...] iconic paintings, Mr Akerman presented his case, giving examples of masters (and their stupendous works) like Jean Michel Folon to Rogier de le Pasture to Jan van Eyck. It was fascinating to witness the art of painters of colossal stature. Now a little about Mariano Akerman: born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1963, he is a celebrated educator who specialises in visual communication. A painter himself, and quite good at that, a little over a decade ago he researched one of this scribe’s favourite artists Francis Bacon’s paintings and Louis Khan’s architectural projects. Recipient of no less than 12 international awards Mariano Akerman’s penchant for art, particularly its history, is infectious. That’s precisely why at the end of the lecture he was immediately approached by the [...] attendees of the programme who nagged him with some [...] questions about Belgian art.

18.06.08 - Gustibus - DANKA LAHORE
Mariano Akerman: Discovering Belgian Art at Pakistani IFWA Center
At the IFWA Center, Islamabad, Art historian Mariano Akerman discusses a select group of Belgian masterpieces, appreciating them from new and unexpected perspectives.

24.06.08 - Mylene Soriano - COMMUNITY LINK BULLETIN, United Nations, Islamabad, Vol. 12, No. 13, p. 1
June 26
“Discovering Belgian Art” Art Appreciation Lecture from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the IFWA Center, St. 38, F-7/1, in cooperation w/ the Belgian Embassy & the Alliance Française Islamabad. Art historian Mariano Akerman discusses a select group of Belgian masterpieces, appreciating them from new & unexpected perspectives. The lecture requests no previous knowledge on the topic. Free entry.

26.06.08 - DAWN METROPOLITAN, Islamabad, p. 19, illus.
Engagements: Belgian Art
Today. A programme "Discovering Belgian Art will be held at the International Foreign Women's Association (IFWA) Centre F-7/1 at 7 pm. Art historian Mariano Akerman will discuss Belgian masterpieces. Among the major achievements of the Belgian artists are the development of the oil painting technique, the fostering of new pictorial styles, the depiction of remarkable images, real and invented, and what may be the most incredible questioning of the concept of reality in the history of Western art. Mariano [Akerman] has researched the works of painter Francis Bacon and architect Louis Kahn.

Matthieu Declercq - Directeur, Alliance Française d'Islamabad
Art Belge au Pakistan
Une présentation extrêmement complète et captivante. La qualité majeure de la conférence réside dans le souci pédagogique constant de se mettre à la portée du public. De plus, un citoyen argentin qui présente l’art belge au Pakistan sous les auspices de l’Alliance Française : il n’est pas de plus belle représentation de ce qu’est la diversité culturelle promue par nos institutions.

Babur Kamal - IFWA Center, Islamabad
Dear Mariano : Thank you for the superb and very informative presentation. It was a pleasure to attend. Yes, go Belgium!

Jawaid 'Jay' Anwar - MUKALMA MAGAZINE, Islamabad-Rawalpindi
A very good presentation. Presentations like this bring understanding about other cultures.

27.06.08 - Hasnat Malik - THE POST, Islamabad, p. 2, col. 3
Lecture on Belgian Artwork
Islamabad: A lecture was held [last] Thursday titled Discovering the Belgian Art at the International Foreign Women's Association Centre. Art historian Mariano Akerman delivered a comprehensive lecture on the topic, Belgian artwork from 15th to [20]th century. Highlighting the achievements of Belgian artists, Mariano [Akerman] said the development of oil painting technique was their greatest achievement.

27.06.08 - Jonaid Iqbal - BUSINESS RECORDER, Islamabad-Lahore-Karachi, p. 8
Art Historian highlights Cultural Diversity Genesis
Islamabad: Art historian, Mariano Akerman, on Thursday stepped on the dais of the International Foreign [Women's] Association, exactly at 7 p.m. for his lecture on Discovering Belgian Art and also to commemorate the International Year of Cultural Diversity. The lecture hall at that time was half full, and more people drifted in late to show their contempt to punctuality[,] a habit which has somehow become ingrained in many of us. Akerman lecture had an inner meaning. It was that though painters might [have risen] to the hall of fame through individual brilliance[,] their art received influences from a number of masters from different countries, and each artist contributed to freedom of expression. He said, Belgian art had its origin in small things such [as] a prayer book done by the Limbourg brothers, who painted 12 calendar months in a minuscule size book, which is an example of miniature painting, common to the East. He added, the painter who developed oil painting was a Belgian, Jan van Eyck (1390-1441, active in Bruges), [who] was the founder of the new art of the 15th century and heralded the Renaissance in northern Europe. In 90 minutes Akerman took the audience on a journey of five centuries of Belgian art and touched the works of [Jan van Eyck], [Rogier de la Pasture], Gerard David, and ended with modern masters such as Constantin Meunier, impressionist [Armand] de Beul, modernist James [Ensor], Fernarnd Khnopff, René Magritte and [Folon]. He suggested that anyone who looks at a painting should employ his inner eyes. Artists and painters express many ideas but the most persuasive one in art over the centuries, has been the [fate] of the human body, which must get old and eventually face[s] decay and death. In the same way, many artists have also looked at the pollution of the land and conveyed the same idea in the shape of burning chimneys. Akerman said a number of modern painters have caricatured the senseless act of war by depicting two warring camps fighting over possession of useless things [e.g., Ensor’s Two Skeletons fighting over a Smoked Herring]. Art should rise above mimicking details and go on to meditate higher values of mind. Akerman ended his lecture by showing three [art]works he has done lately. One showed Frenchmen, enthused by arts and free expression, the second showed the family of nations contemplating on the heritage of culture, and the third depicting the Belgian perspective in arts. Earlier, the lecture was scheduled at the French Culture Centre but was shifted to this venue after recent disturbances, especially the explosion at Denmark Embassy. However, Director Matthieu Declercq of Alliance Française was present to thank guests as well as [members of] the Belgian Embassy [who supported] the cultural function. [Argentinean] Mariano Akerman was born in Buenos Aires and was educated at the School of Architecture at Belgrano. He has interest in Belgian art and has lectured on this subject at a number of international centres.

30.06.08 - Hasnat Malik, online
A very beautiful and very inspiring conference, enhanced by the lecturer's kindness and sincerity.

02.07.08 - Anwer Abbas - THE POST, Islamabad, sect. B, p. 2
Artist’s endeavours to promote art and culture
An Argentinean artist, Mariano Akerman has been striving to bridge the gap of culture and customs among people. “I think of myself as a bridge between various cultures and traditions,” Akerman said to The Post. Akerman told us he was delighted to be in Pakistan. His major concern is education. He is here to open the window of cultural diversity. “Pakistan is a country rich in culture and traditions,” he observed enthusiastically. Recalling his first impression about Pakistani art, Akerman remembered that “LokVirsa Heritage Museum was my first introduction to Pakistani culture. It was indeed a marvellous experience and impressed me a lot, due to its multi-traditional dimension.” Commenting on the local population, Akerman thinks that “In general, Pakistani people are nice and I feel comfortable here. Not even for a second I had the feeling of being an alien in this country; I come from a multi-cultural one, it’s name is Argentina.” Sharing his experiences about Eid ul fitar in Pakistan, he commented that it was a simple and wonderful event, as lots of people invited him to their homes and offered him sweet dishes. Describing a most attractive thing of Pakistan, Akerman prized its natural beauty, which he says gives him peace of mind. He also likes the variety of the seasons here, “One can enjoy bright sunny light, heavy rain, drizzling, hailstorms, amazingly beautiful autumn and springtime. In this sense, nature has blessed the country.” Referring to the local food, he said he finds it delicious and a bit too spicy. Considering the actual situation in Pakistan, Akerman rejects its portrayal as a problematic country, for “good things and bad things can be seen everywhere in these days.” Mariano Akerman respects every nation and every religion. He values life. Being aware of the differences between the East and the West, he observes that they still need to learn from each other. “The East,” for instance, “may adopt modern technologies from the West and simultaneously spread part of its spiritual wisdom there.” Akerman explained his view about the fundamentals of relationships world wide, noting that they should be developed on the basis of dialogue. He added he liked many of the traditions of Pakistan. He believes a dialogue between tradition and modernisation is both possible and necessary. According to him, Pakistan on one hand is moving towards modernisation while on the other tries to preserve its culture and heritage. As an artist, Akerman abhors the idea of a world without diversity. “Imagine a world which is uniform. Would you like to live in a place where all people look identical, speak the same language, do the same things and think the very same way? Such a world would be a terribly poor world. It would also be terribly boring. I am for cultural diversity. God has created a world based on diversity, not uniformity. You only have to contemplate nature for a while. There is diversity everywhere.”

Artista intenta promover el arte y la cultura
Un artista argentino, Mariano Akerman, intenta trascender las brechas culturales entre la gente. “Me veo como un puente entre culturas y tradiciones,” declaró al diario The Post Islamabad recientemente. Nos dijo que está encantado de conocer Pakistán. Su interés mayor es la educación. Está aquí para abrir la ventana de la diversidad cultural. “Pakistán es un país rico en cultura y tradiciones,” observa Akerman con entusiasmo. Evocando su primera impresión acerca del arte pakistaní, Akerman recuerda que “el Museo Lok Virsa fue mi primer contacto con la cultura pakistaní. Visitarlo fue una experiencia maravillosa y que me impresionó mucho dadas sus lo numerosos matices de sus tradiciones. Refiriéndose a la población local, Akerman nota que “en general, la gente pakistaní es agradable y me siento a gusto aquí. Ni por un momento tuve la sensación de ser un extranjero en este país; yo vengo de uno multicultural, Argentina. Compartiendo sus experiencias durante el Eid ul fitar en Pakistán, comentó que fue un evento sencillo y maravilloso, con no poca gente invitándolo a su casa para ofrecerle platos dulces. Al describir las cosas más atractivas de Pakistán, Akerman recordó su belleza natural, y aclaró que le da tranquilidad de espíritu. Le gusta también el cambio de las estaciones propio de aquí: “Uno puede disfrutar un sol muy luminoso, chaparrones, lloviznas, granizos, primaveras y otoños increíblemente hermosos. En este sentido, la naturaleza ha bendecido a este país.” Cuando se refirió a la comida local comentó que es deliciosa, pero picante. Al considerar la situación actual en Pakistán, Akerman rechaza el que se la describa como problemática, dado que “cosas buenas y cosas malas se pueden ver en todas partes en estos días.” Akerman respeta naciones y religiones, y valora la vida. Consciente de las diferencias entre Oriente y Occidente, observa que ambos todavía necesitan aprender el uno del otro. “El Oriente,” por ejemplo, “podría adoptar las tecnologías modernas de Occidente y simultáneamente difundir ahí parte de su riqueza espiritual.” Akerman explicó su punto de vista sobre las bases de la interacción en el mundo, sosteniendo que ellas deberían desarrollarse a partir del diálogo. Agregó que le gustan muchas de las tradiciones pakistaníes y cree que un dialogo entre tradición y modernización es tanto posible como necesario. Según él, Pakistán por un lado se mueve hacia la modernización, mientras que por el otro intenta preservar su herencia cultural. Como artista, Akerman siente desagrado por la idea de un mundo sin diversidad. “Imagínese un mundo uniforme. ¿Le gustaría vivir en un lugar donde todo el mundo se ve igual, habla una única lengua, hace las mismas cosas y piensa de la misma forma? Ese mundo sería un mundo terriblemente pobre. También sería terriblemente aburrido. Estoy a favor de la diversidad cultural. El mundo que Dios ha creado presenta diversidad, no uniformidad. Uno sólo necesita contemplar la naturaleza por un rato. Hay diversidad por todos lados.” Traducción, paráfrasis y rectificación de Anwer Abbas, “Belgian artist’s endeavours to promote art and culture,” The Post, Islamabad, 02.07.08, B-2

06.07.08 - Anwar Abbas - THE POST, Islamabad, Sunday, Islamabad News, sect. B-2
Argentinean painter who is a dab hand with brush
Islamabad. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentinean Mariano Akerman is a renowned art historian and a painter with a strong grip over his brush. He reflects his feelings and ideas via incredible images, whose shapes and colours surprise and fascinate the public. During an exclusive interview with The Post, Akerman shared some of his thoughts on art. According to Akerman, today an artist cannot be a slave of reality—he should be the emperor. “The artist needs to create a new reality, not to merely imitate the existing one.” Akerman reminds us of the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Akerman declares that “appearance is not essential” and he is certainly not a painter of appearances. Briefing about his introduction to the visual arts, Akerman evoked his early start when making his first doodles and drawings at the age of two. Subsequently, he was very much encouraged by his aunt “Moroca,” also a painter, who revealed him her artistic secrets and gave him lots of confidence. It was Moroca who included Mariano Akerman’s early images in various art exhibits at Casa de la Pintura Argentina, in Buenos Aires. As a painter, Mariano Akerman has exhibited his art work solo or in group in Argentina, Spain, Japan, Philippines and Sweden. He has also been awarded with twelve major international prices. Akerman expresses himself through water-based techniques, such as watercolours and gouache. He also likes to make collages and to draw as well. Sketches are also important to him, as he is also and architect. Considerable symbolism is also present in his work. But this he refuses to reveal, “sometimes,” he solemnly explains, “to talk about art is as necessary as dancing is to architecture.” Mariano Akerman uses brushes in his own way and style, trying to leave aside some traditional approaches in a conscious manner. He tells us he prizes creativity and inventiveness. Yet, the painter also recognises that the past will always be present in his imagery. Indeed, he is an art historian as well.
Concerning Pakistan, Akerman likes the elaborated local truck decoration. He thinks of such trucks as “mighty modern elephants.” LokVirsa was his introduction to the fine arts of Pakistan. “It was great. I’ve learnt a lot there,” he says enthusiastically. He recognizes some Asian influence in his work, indicating that this is mostly a spiritual issue. The Argentinean artist is aware that there are two possible approaches towards the fine arts. One of them is to imitate reality. The other is to try to create something new. As we contemplate the distinctive imagination of Akerman’s work, it becomes clear that for him it is the second approach the one that leads to creativity and inventiveness. Mariano Akerman has a special interest in modern visual arts and in Belgian painting in particular. He has lectured on this topic at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Arts in Buenos Aires and National Museum of the Philippines in Manila. He has also given lectures in Pakistan, where he is developing a special programme, with several art-appreciation lectures entitled “Discovering Belgian Art.” The programme takes place in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. During such lectures Mariano Akerman reveals the originality of a group of Belgian masterpieces. He examines their style and meanings, historical context, aesthetic qualities and raison d’être, to appreciate them from innovative perspectives.

Artista argentino, crack del pincel
Islamabad. Nacido en Buenos Aires, el argentino Mariano Akerman es un renombrado historiador y pintor, con un fuerte control sobre su pincel. Refleja su sentir y pensar a través de increíbles imágenes, cuyas formas y colores sorprenden y fascinan al público. Durante una entrevista exclusiva con The Post, Akerman compartió algunos de sus pensamientos acerca del arte. Según él, un artista de hoy no puede ser el esclavo de la realidad, sino su emperador. “El artista necesita crear una realidad nueva y no meramente imitar la ya existente.” Akerman nos recuerda las palabras de Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “Es sólo con el corazón que uno ve bien; lo esencial es invisible.” Akerman declara que “la apariencia no es esencial” y él, con toda certeza, no es un pintor de apariencias. Recordando su introducción al campo de las artes visuales, Akerman evoca sus tempranos comienzos, cuando hacia garabatos y dibujos a los dos años de edad. Luego recibe el estímulo de su tía Moroca, pintora que le revela varios secretos artísticos y estimula la confianza en sí mismo. Moroca incluye los trabajos de Mariano Akerman en varias de las exposiciones de la Casa de la Pintura Argentina, en Buenos Aires. Como pintor, Mariano Akerman exhibe su obra individualmente o en grupo en Argentina, España, Japón, Filipinas y Suecia. También recibe doce premios internacionales. Akerman se expresa mediante técnicas que usan el agua como agente (acuarelas y témperas, por ejemplo). Además le gusta hacer collages y dibujar. Los bocetos son importantes para él, dado que también es arquitecto. Considerable simbolismo se insinúa desde su obra. Pero el artista se rehúsa a develarlo: “a veces,” explica, “el hablar acerca del arte es tan necesario como lo es la danza a la arquitectura.” Mariano Akerman usa los pinceles a su manera y concientemente intenta dejar de lado algunos de los procedimientos tradicionales. Nos dice que da valor a la creatividad y la capacidad de inventar. Sin embargo, el pintor reconoce que el pasado está siempre presente en su imaginería. En efecto, él es un historiador del arte.
En lo que concierne a Pakistán, Akerman aprecia las elaboradas decoraciones de los camiones locales, a los que describe como “poderosos elefantes modernos.” El Museo LokVirsa fue su primer encuentro con las bellas artes pakistaníes. “Visitarlo fue genial. Aprendí muchísimo ahí,” dice entusiasmado. Akerman reconoce cierta influencia asiática en su obra e indica que ella es un asunto fundamentalmente espiritual. El artista argentino sabe que existen dos formas de proceder el lo que respecta al hecho plástico. Una de ellas es imitar la realidad. La otra es intentar crear algo nuevo. Al contemplar la imaginación distintiva de la obra de Akerman, queda claro que para él sólo el segundo caso implica creatividad e inventiva. Mariano Akerman se interesa por el arte moderno y por la pintura belga. Sobre este tema ha dado conferencias en el Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes en Buenos Aires y en el National Museum of the Philippines en Manila. También presenta una serie de conferencias en Pakistán, donde desarrolla el programa “Descubriendo el Arte Belga.” Sus conferencias de apreciación del arte tienen lugar en Karachi, Islamabad y Lahore. Durante el transcurso de las mismas, Akerman revela la originalidad de un grupo de obras maestras del arte belga. Examina su estilo y significados, contexto histórico, cualidades estéticas y razón de ser de las mismas, para apreciarlas desde nuevas perspectivas.

Michel Goffin - Ambassadeur de Belgique au Pakistan
J'ai fort apprécié la conférence qui m'a remémoré mes études dans une autre vie. Je pense aussi que cette initiative méritait un solide applaudissement compte tenu des circonstances. Pakistan était en juin dernier sous l'emprise de la terreur. Persévérer et organiser une conférence malgré les aléas du moment c’était faire preuve de courage. Ce que j'ai surtout apprécié lors de la conférence, c'est la simplicité du message face à une certaine complexité du sujet. J’ai apprécié l'effort de vulgarisation. Il n'est en effet pas aisé de transmettre un message esthétique proprement occidental et historique dans un environnement culturel pakistanais également complexe. La conférence sert l'art belge et l'image du pays. Une belle initiative donc que j'ai appuyée et qui m'a agréablement surpris de par sa qualité. (Reçu par mail)

Christian Adam de Villiers, Directeur, Alliance Française de Lahore
Monsieur Mariano Akerman est un historien d'art qui sait partager sa passion. A l'occasion d'une conférence sur l'art belge donnée au National College of Arts de Lahore, il a montré combien il maîtrise parfaitement son sujet, "tressant" habilement les mises en évidence de l'oscillation et de l'imbrication des concepts de mimesis et de fantaisie, selon les perspectives historiques et spatiales qui caractérisent la peinture belge. Monsieur Mariano Akerman est un conférencier très agréable à suivre : il sait comment interférer avec son public et sait distiller à bon escient de succulentes touches d'humour. En deux mots, ... un régal !

Resources
Tchikovani, Alexandre. "Conférence: La découverte de l’art belge - The Discovery of Belgian Art," Alliance Française de Karachi, May-June 2008, p. 11, illus.
"Time Out: Today," The Daily Times, Vol. V, No. 163, Karachi, 13.06.08, sect. B, p. 2, illus.
Peerzada, Salman. "Karachi: Between Reality and Fantasy," Dawn News, Karachi, 14.06.08, ills.
"Engagements: Belgian Art," Dawn Metropolitan, Islamabad, 26.06.08, p. 19, illus.
Malik, Hasnat. "Lecture on Belgian Artwork," The Post, Islamabad, 27.06.08, p. 2, col. 3
Iqbal, Jonaid. "Art Historian highlights Cultural Diversity Genesis," Business Recorder, Islamabad-Lahore-Karachi, 27.06.08, p. 8
Abbas, Anwer. "Artist’s endeavours to promote art and culture," The Post, Islamabad, 02.07.08, sect. B, p. 2
Abbas, Anwar. "Argentinean painter who is a dab hand with brush," The Post, Islamabad, 06.07.08, Islamabad News, sect. B-2.