Written by: Shahnawaz Ramay
Posted on: March 29, 2022 | 
| 中文
The stone slabs placed around the Banyan tree
On a quiet Saturday evening, Islamabad paid homage to the natural environment in the form of an art exhibition curated and made by Fauzia Minallah. An avid nature lover, she has been involved in the protection of Islamabad’s heritage by mobilizing everyday citizens to intervene with Captial Development Authority. The Capital Citizens Committee led by Fauzia Minallah, has managed to create a sanctuary for the historically important Banyan trees. The exhibition served as a way to bring more awareness to the need of doing more, as well as lend an artistic ambience to her artwork.
As you walk into the clearing, a giant Banyan tree rests in the center like an anchor. The branches spread out protecting you from the sun and provide cool shade. The tree is surrounded by a ring of natural rocks, while the ground around it remains untouched. The roots of the Banyan tree peek through, creating an uneven footing. Inside the circle, grey and weathered stone slabs are displayed. At first, the positioning reminds one of Stonehenge. On closer inspection and as the angle of the light hits the slab, the artwork starts to become visible. Using a predominantly round shape, the slabs are adorned with faces, flowers, movement and stories.
An inscription on a slab depicting a woman
The artist, Fauzia Minallah, recalled playing in the village as a child and noticed the slabs that adorned the local cemetery, which had stories about those buried there. As a child she marveled at the ability of being able to give form to an immovable object like stone. The exhibition serves as a celebration of her childhood memories of playing in the ancient slate cemeteries of the Gangar Hills of Hazara, and even as a child marveling at the rock carvings in Gilgit, where her parents lived in the 70s. She was also mesmerized by the Gandhara art that she saw at the Peshawar Museum, and it was this rich heritage which was an inspiration for her body of work.
A closeup of one of the inscriptions
“The wonder of rock carvings is such that, even after thousands of years, they tell stories of a world gone by. If my work survives a thousand years, I wonder what stories my markings on the stones will tell.” she said
Upon being asked why she choose stone to represent femininity, she said “I want people to think past the notion of femininity where it is fluid and compromising. There is a strength to women as well, to the work we do and the pain we endure. I want to symbolize it through my artwork on stone slabs, so despite the passage of time, people can still see it”. The stone slabs were procured from the quarries of her childhood village, while the bases came from Taxila. “Taxila has a rich history of Gandharan art as well, and through this I want to bridge the two regions” Fauzia said.
The setting of the exhibition around the Banyan tree
The artwork itself gives off a very delicate vibe. The holes, although drilled, are still precisely and methodologically applied. The use of negative space to give form and shadows is exemplary and eye catching. Female symbology is drawn in serene, calm and self-assured poses that still somehow radiate strength. Walking around the Banyan tree, hearing the rustling of the leaves and the whoosh of the wind through the branches, viewers had an uplifting experience. The work is a feat of artistic commitment to the environment and her love of trees and our Gandharan heritage. She admitted to finding it difficult to work because of her poor health, but gave her heart and soul to the work for six months and completed it.
Art enthusiasts and environment protection activists attending the show.
The exhibition was attended by a small band of well-wishers and prominent activists, who have worked tirelessly for the conservation of Islamabad’s natural history. They lauded Fauzia’s efforts to preserve natural history, her drive as an environmental activist and her talent in creatively expressing it. The audience was informed that the sanctuary was made by hand, without the use of machinery in order to limit the damage to the existing ecosystem. The area is being developed as a walkway for nature lovers to enjoy and appreciate. The park management said that a lot of work still has to be done, but they feel very happy that the citizens of the capital are helping them preserve the natural flora and fauna.
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