TLDR:
• Shehbaz Sharif opens Manzar in Doha
• Focus on Pakistani art and architecture
• Artistic ties between Qatar and Pakistan
DOHA (The Thursday Times) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, inaugurated the “MANZAR” exhibition in Doha, a cultural event set to span three months, showcasing the depth and evolution of Pakistani art and architecture. Organised by Qatar’s future Art Mill Museum and presented in collaboration with the National Museum of Qatar, this exhibition highlights the shared artistic heritage of Pakistan and Qatar, and its historical significance speaks volumes about the growing bonds between the two nations.
Strengthening cultural ties through art
Prime Minister Sharif expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, for the opportunity to bring Pakistan’s cultural narrative to a global stage. His heartfelt appreciation for Sheikha Al Mayassa’s role in promoting cultural diplomacy was evident. In his address, Sharif emphasised the exhibition’s potential to act as a “bridge connecting narratives, cultures, and people.” The CEO of Qatar Museums, Mohammad Saad Rumaihi, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the Prime Minister’s support and celebrating MANZAR as a “testament to the enduring friendship between Qatar and Pakistan.” Rumaihi underscored the importance of this exhibition in introducing a global audience to the cultural richness of Pakistan.
A celebration of Pakistan’s artistic legacy
The word “MANZAR” translates to “scene” or “perspective” in both Urdu and Arabic, a name that aptly reflects the exhibition’s goal of capturing the vast, multifaceted essence of Pakistan’s art and architecture. It features over 200 carefully curated works, encompassing paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, installations, and textiles. These pieces span a broad timeline, beginning in the 1940s and extending to contemporary expressions. The exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of renowned artists like Shakir Ali, Sadequain, and Gulgee, each of whom has left a lasting imprint on Pakistan’s cultural fabric.
A visual and sensory experience
MANZAR is not limited to visual art alone. The exhibition is designed to be a fully immersive experience, featuring traditional Pakistani music, culinary offerings, and live performances. Visitors are invited to journey through the evolution of Pakistan’s art scene while engaging their senses in a celebration of the country’s rich cultural identity. This approach emphasises the exhibition’s role in portraying a living, breathing culture that transcends traditional museum walls, allowing for a more profound appreciation of Pakistan’s diverse heritage.
Architectural innovation and influence
Beyond visual art, MANZAR also shines a spotlight on Pakistan’s architectural achievements. Special attention is given to the modern architectural developments that shaped the nation in the years following independence. The exhibition chronicles the contributions of international architects like Michel Ecochard and Louis Kahn, who played a significant role in Pakistan’s urban landscape. Their projects, including the master planning of Karachi’s first university and the design of major national institutions, illustrate how modern Western architectural principles were adapted to local needs and aspirations.
Curating Pakistan’s story through time
The narrative of MANZAR unfolds across twelve themed galleries, taking visitors on a chronological journey through Pakistan’s artistic and architectural evolution. The exhibition starts with the pre-Partition era, featuring artists like Abdur Rahman Chughtai, whose work captured the complexities of identity under the British Raj. It then transitions into the post-Partition period, exploring how artists like Anna Molka Ahmed and Zubeida Agha experimented with new forms of expression. Themes of nationalism, identity, and resilience recur throughout, particularly in the works of artists responding to significant historical events like the Partition of 1947.
Architecture’s dialogue with culture
A separate section of MANZAR focuses on the architects who transformed Pakistan’s landscape. It delves into the intellectual currents of the 1960s and 1970s, a period of architectural experimentation that addressed the tensions between regional styles and global modernism. Architects like Nayyar Ali Dada and Kamil Khan Mumtaz from Lahore, and Yasmeen Lari from Karachi, are celebrated for their roles in shaping a distinctly Pakistani architectural identity. The exhibition also examines Pakistan’s involvement in the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, showcasing how local and global dialogues on architecture have influenced the nation’s built environment.
Highlighting Pakistan’s modern art scene
The exhibition does not overlook the impact of Pakistan’s contemporary artists. It brings into focus figures like Zahoor ul Akhlaq and Imran Mir, whose groundbreaking works challenged Western artistic traditions and redefined modern art in Pakistan. Curators have also included artists like Salima Hashmi and Rashid Rana, known for their educational contributions and their influence on the next generation of artists. The exhibition situates these modern pioneers within a global context, showcasing how Pakistani art has evolved through a complex dialogue with international art movements while maintaining its unique cultural identity.
Curatorial excellence and global collaboration
The vision behind MANZAR was brought to life by an impressive curatorial team. Senior Curators Caroline Hancock and Aurélien Lemonier from the Art Mill Museum, along with independent curator Zarmeene Shah, have crafted an exhibition that weaves together art, architecture, and cultural history. Collaborators from Karachi, including architect Raza Ali Dada and researcher Noor Butt, have ensured that the exhibition is deeply rooted in Pakistan’s artistic context. The exhibition’s design and thematic structure highlight the interplay between historical continuity and modern innovation, providing a comprehensive look at Pakistan’s creative landscape.
Bridging art and diplomacy
Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to MANZAR, accompanied by the Emir of Qatar, symbolised more than cultural appreciation; it underscored the role of art in diplomacy. The Emir personally guided the Prime Minister through the exhibition, reflecting the warmth and mutual respect between the two leaders. This gesture highlighted the soft power of cultural initiatives like MANZAR, which go beyond art to build deeper ties between nations. Sharif’s engagement with artists, architects, and cultural leaders underscored his administration’s commitment to promoting Pakistan’s rich heritage on a global stage.
A new platform for cultural exchange
The realisation of MANZAR was made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous institutions, including the Embassy of Pakistan in Qatar, Pakistan’s National Heritage & Culture Division, Alhamra Art Museum in Lahore, and private collectors from around the world. Their collective contributions have created an unprecedented platform for cultural exchange, allowing Pakistani art to shine on an international stage. The exhibition’s legacy will extend beyond its physical run, fostering a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s cultural complexity and artistic achievements.
