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    'Collective': Nomad Gallery Showcases the Work of Multiple Artists

    Collective Art Exhibition at Nomad Gallery Islamabad

    Written by: Sana Shahid
    Posted on: October 14, 2016 | | 中文

    'Collective' at Nomad Gallery

    A group exhibition titled ‘Collective’ was inaugurated on 13th October at Nomad Art Gallery. The show features artworks that are unique not only in genre but also in the diversity of their technique, imagery and concept. The featured artists are Ahmad Habib, Anjum Ayub, Asad-ur-Rehman, Ayesha Siddiqui, Farrah Adnan, Fizza Siddiqui, Iram Wani, Nadeem Ahmad, Riffat Khattak, Salma Manzoor, Samina A. Akhtar, Samreen Asif, Tabbasum Rizvi, Tayyaba Aziz, Zahra Shamail and Zia Zaidi

    The artists have narrated their concepts in the form of dramatic stories. “My art ventures revolve around my own orbit, spreading around my space and objects”, says Ahmad Habib, whose work is as versatile as his personality. He focuses on turning ordinary objects into masterpieces by emphasizing their beauty.
    Artworks by the Punjab University graduates – Ayesha Siddiqui, Salma Manzoor, Samina Akhtar, and Samreen Asif – were particularly remarkable. Salma and Samreen’s work centers on Asian women who have been travelling to various places around the world and achieving the freedom that they truly deserve. “Moving to China helped me to explore myself, and the rich culture laid a great impact on my work”, says Salma. Samreen believes that Nomad Art Gallery not only provides a platform for young artists to exhibit their works, but also encourages women to follow their heart and pursue their dreams. On the other hand, Samina Akhtar’s calligraphic paintings reflect the beauty of Islamic teachings. 

    Two of the most distinguished and experienced printmakers in the show, Iram Wani and Anjum Ayub, have shown through their work what it means to be a female artist. Their artworks reflect their own lives, and how they have matured over the years. “The contemplation of a female mortal is a symbolic representation of the interminable struggles of the female soul in times of turmoil, living in a society that is held behind by the manacles of ancient bondages”, Iram Wani explains her work.

    Collective Art Exhibition at Nomad Gallery Islamabad

    Visitors at the show

    As a miniaturist, Farrah Adnan has used her skills to shed light on social and political issues, showing the abuse of power as the root cause for the corruption and injustice in contemporary society. She uses her artworks to spread a message of unity, peace and equality.

    Tayyaba Aziz explores the transcendence of time through her work. “Time is what keeps everything from happening at once. We always compare our present experiences to our dim memories of past experiences.”

    Artists such as Asad-ur-Rehman and Nadeem Ahmed have been displaying their paintings and sculptures at Nomad Gallery on a regular basis. Nadeem Ahmed has mastered the art of depicting people’s thoughts and feelings through the strokes of his brush.

    Collective Art Exhibition at Nomad Gallery Islamabad

    Artists Abbas Shah and Najam Kazmi

    Tabassam Rizvi’s works are painted in such a way that they leave the viewer thinking. Her impressionistic paintings are an amalgamation of light and shade, and fleeting forms that create a mystery onto the canvas.

    Zia Zaidi, Zahra Shamail, and Riffat Khattak have worked on deeply personal concepts. Zahra’s focus on women and their emotions is expertly depicted through her watercolor paintings.

    When it comes to managing art exhibitions and cultural events on a regular basis, Nomad Gallery truly takes the cake. It seems as if the gallery director Nageen Hyat and her team never take a break, and are constantly planning ahead. Their hard work has paid off in the form of some exceptional shows in the last few months.

    Collective Art Exhibition at Nomad Gallery Islamabad

    Director Nageen Hyat in conversation with the artists and guests

    ‘Collective’ is an exhibition that skillfully showcases the diversity of Pakistani culture and art. From concept to implementation, the show features an astonishing amount of variety, and makes for a collection that is well worth checking out.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021