Lucknow: A symbolic ‘Candle of Humanity’ lighting ceremony marked the opening of the five-day 18th International Exhibition on Muharram, organised by One Voice Trust at the State Lalit Kala Akademi, Kaiserbagh, on Friday.The exhibition features 70 photographs, 32 paintings and 68 calligraphy works from 11 countries, including Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq, and 15 Indian cities, interpreting Karbala’s legacy through diverse artistic expressions.Bareeza Nazim, an LU student, presented ‘The Tall Cost of War,’ a mixed-media installation comprising painting, text and symbols.Centred on Ali Asghar, Imam Hussain’s six-month-old son martyred in Karbala, it uses red threads, broken teddy bears and footprints to reflect violence against children and the suffering of innocent lives worldwide.Similarly, Gori Yusuf Husen’s calligraphic composition, executed in black ink on cotton fabric, inscribes ‘Ya Hussain,’ integrating the handwoven ‘Letter of Kufa.’ Historically, missives from Kufa invited Imam Hussain’s leadership, but later betrayal triggered a tragic turn of events. “Calligraphy preserves memories history must never forget,” said the calligrapher from Gujarat.Additional calligraphic works included acrylic pieces by Talat Mahmood (Prayagraj) and textured fabric art by Sana Murtaza (Lucknow), reflecting diverse devotional expressions.A highlight of the exhibition was a presentation by Haji Irshad of Varanasi, who recreated the 30th Quranic para on cloth. The 10-kg artwork, completed over six years, used ink made from edible elements, Zamzam water, soil and kesar. The sacred book cover was crafted in traditional Banarasi brocade. International artists used acrylic and paper-based mixed media to depict Karbala-inspired scenes with emotional depth.Photographs captured moments of devotion, with Azam Hussain of Lucknow documenting rituals, while Shabir Reza from Iran portrayed children dressed as soldiers honouring Imam Hussain’s courage.The exhibition is open to visitors from June 20 to 23, from 11 am to 6 pm.
