Artists exhibiting at Dubai’s Ramadan exhibition hope to bring Pakistani art to the world
KARACHI: Artists from Pakistan and the UAE who exhibited at a special Ramadan exhibition in Dubai said this week that such exhibitions are an opportunity for dialogue between cultures and to introduce contemporary Pakistani artists to a global audience. He said it had become.
A group art exhibition called Spiritual Reflections will feature the collaboration of Pakistani fine artist Maria Lari, a social arts founder based in the United Arab Emirates, and award-winning, internationally accredited art curator and It will be held at the Conrad Dubai in collaboration with consultant Faraz Siddiqui Karachiwala, who works between Karachi and Karachi. And Dubai. The show opened on Thursday with a selection of artworks centered around the transformative experience of Ramadan.
According to the program copy, the works featured in Spiritual Reflections include diverse artistic interpretations and visual narratives that explore themes of devotion, enlightenment, and wholeness. This exhibition aims to celebrate the evolving influence of art in fostering spiritual growth, introspection and self-discovery during the holy month of Ramadan. A total of 19 artists from Pakistan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are participating, selected from over 100 applications.
This is Karachiwala’s first curatorial project in the UAE.
“The main focus is to open endless possibilities and opportunities and foster artistic ties between Pakistan and the UAE,” Karachiwala told Arab News in a phone interview.
“Being the first Pakistani to receive the Art Curator designation from the Dubai government is an extraordinary privilege. This will allow me to contribute to the UAE’s cultural landscape in a more meaningful way. I am enthusiastic. We look forward to exploring these avenues and promoting the rich cultural heritage of both countries.”
Soraya Sikander, known for her landscapes and organic forms and widely regarded as one of South Asia’s leading contemporary artists, said the exhibition will introduce contemporary Pakistani art to UAE residents and others. He said he would do so.
“[They will be able to] Look at our thought process, ideas and inspiration,” Sikander, who has been based in the UAE since 2018, told Arab News on Thursday.
Sikander’s work draws inspiration from South Asian art history, Mughal frescoes and architecture, and Iranian and Persian rugs. The current exhibition features stunning paintings of blue trees.
“What’s special about this work is that it alludes to the Garden of Eden and the trees and celebrates trees as life-giving forms,” Sikander explained. “It aligns very closely with the spirit of Ramadan, Eid, giving, fruit, fruit of knowledge, bearing fruit, life, heaven. It has a very spiritual meaning.”
Sikander said such cooperation is important as it “bridges the gap” between Pakistan and the UAE.
“They bring together commonalities such as Ramadan, Eid, month-long fasting, sacrifice, and selflessness. ‘Spiritual Reflections’ brings together a very shared history. It’s not just an exhibition, it’s a dialogue. It is a dialogue between cultures, civilizations and stories,” the artist added.
“The UAE and Pakistan have strong ties in terms of trade, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties. Of course, Pakistan initially played a very important role in the development of the GCC. My family came to Pakistan, specifically the city of Karachi, to attend and study at local schools. [there]”
Shabnam Habib, another Pakistani artist based in the United Arab Emirates, works in mixed media abstract expressionism and has exhibited work in many international exhibitions, including Conrad’s He also said that the show will introduce contemporary Pakistani art to the world.
“When Pakistani artists present their work in the UAE, it increases their visibility in the field,” she says.
“We are stationed here and it means a lot to us to have our creative side recognized. The UAE will always provide such opportunities to all creators. We have a diverse nationality here. There are people.”
Meshwire artist Musarrat Yasmin, who was born in Pakistan and raised in the United Arab Emirates and is currently the head of the art department at the American School in the United Arab Emirates, is excited to work with Pakistani curators. he said.
“I have always wanted to work with Pakistani curators because there are not many Pakistani curators in the UAE. This is the first time something like this has happened,” she said.
“This exhibition is a great bridge between UAE and Pakistan as we Pakistani artists will be exhibiting our works in an exhibition organized by Pakistani curators. We are here in large numbers. ”
