site.btaHouse of Culture Sredets to Host Exhibition, Demonstration of Pakistani Truck Art

The House of Culture Sredets will host an exhibition and demonstration of Pakistani Truck Art, Sofia City Hall said on Wednesday. The opening on March 21 will be preceded by a workshop at which artists will demonstrate the specific techniques applied in this type of art.

Truck art is a cultural tradition for many truck drivers in some South Asian countries, mainly in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. Artists even see these trucks as not only a craft, but an act of carrying on with their ancestor’s legacy. Each truck is different and is an expression of their owner; their trucks define their beliefs, values and their interests – a space like their home. The custom-made outer and inner appearance includes elaborate floral patterns and calligraphy, religious symbols, photographs, writing, words of wisdom and pictures of their favourite actors and sports stars.

Today Truck art, which has existed since the 1920s, is also applied to various everyday items like handbags, shoes or furniture and even on bridges and walls as interior decoration.

The exhibition and the workshop are organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Sofia in conjunction with Sredets Home of Culture.