Lyari's young artists paint a brighter future

Express Tribune

03-03-2025

In a city where opportunities are scarce, the Mehrwan Art Academy (MAA) shines as a beacon of hope. Founded by two passionate artists, Ustad Jan Mohammad Baloch and Raheem Ghulam, this Lyari-based academy has been providing free art education to young boys and girls for the past five years. As Leonardo da Vinci's words echo, 'The painter has the universe in his mind and hands,' these students channel their emotions onto canvas.
The academy teaches painting to young boys and girls. Most students attend for free, as the teachers waive fees, recognising that many local families struggle to make ends meet.
"They are our future," Baloch said with a smile while looking at the students. "It's not a place where we aim to earn money."
There are more than 20 students, mostly teenagers, who spend about two hours daily in the evening playing with colours, following their instructors' guidance to learn with precision.
A couple of senior students have created their own portfolios and are rarely willing to sell their work. "They love it," Baloch told The Express Tribune. "We often showcase their work in exhibitions," he added.
The academy operates from the rooftop of the Pakistan Baloch Anjuman, located in the Kalri area near Molvi Usman Park. Young artists attend classes in the evening for a couple of hours, depending on their availability.
Baloch, a retired government employee, shared that it had long been his dream to pass on the knowledge he had gained from various mentors throughout his life.
The academy also sells custom portraits, paintings, and sketches created by students. Artwork is displayed on three small walls, while albums featuring different pieces are available for viewing. The students and teachers use their sketches to highlight social taboos and issues, making art a medium for awareness.
The artists believe that the academy, consisting of just a rooftop, provides a vital sanctuary for talented young people, protecting them from negative influences.
The portraits include those of Dr Ruth Pfau, Robert Nesta Marley, Rahat Indori, Benazir Bhutto, Karl Marx, Pelé, Cristiano Ronaldo, and many other well-known local and international figures. One of the students, Saadia, has created an artwork that portrays the harsh realities of society, particularly the harassment and molestation that young girls often face. She aims to break the silence surrounding this serious issue through her work. Her self-portrait conveys the emotional turmoil and resilience of women who navigate these challenges.
Lyari, known as Karachi's mother, is famous for its sports, notably football and boxing. Another student, 15-year-old Tayyab Tariq, has created a thought-provoking piece that addresses the pressing issue of corruption and restrictions in the country's sports sector.
When the sun sets, leaving its orange and red hues over MAA, Baloch and his students serve tea to fellow students and visitors, fostering an atmosphere of freedom and camaraderie at the rooftop. "We do not have enough space. We do not have a roof or a door to shield us from the scorching heat or rain, but this limited space is available for those who want to learn," Baloch said in a voice filled with emotion.