Friday, February 18 2005 15:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Allaying popular perception that women in Pakistan are always burqa-clad, a painter today (Feb 18, 2005) said that majority of Indians carried a wrong impression that women were suppressed in that country.

"Women in Pakistan are not always burqa-clad and suppressed as is the general perception," Nighat Mir, an artist from across the border, who is in Mumbai along with six others to exhibit their paintings at the National Gallery of Modern Arts (NGMA), said.

The work of the seven Pakistani artists is currently on display. Titled as "Beyond borders, art of Pakistan," the exhibition showcases more than 150 works and comprises paintings, sculptures, installations and video art.

The theme of the exhibition includes the tradition of miniature painting, the impact of text, the matter of identity, the use of popular art culture and the presence of body in the art of Pakistan, Nighat said.

Stating that it was a great idea to showcase the Pakistani art in India, she said, "This will help remove several misconceptions in the minds of people about Pakistan. There is no bar on display of any form of art, be it nude or outrageous."

Nighat's artist husband Imran said, "It is a great experience being here." Though his first visit to India, some 15 years back, was not as pleasant as he had faced some problems then, Imran said, his current visit enable him to carry home some fond memories.