The Beyond Façade exhibition, held at the Islamabad Art Gallery, Faculty Institute of Art and Design, University of Sargodha, provided an immersive exploration of identity, perception, and the
deeper realities hidden beneath surface appearances. This thought-provoking exhibition brought together a diverse group of artists who challenged conventional narratives, offering unique perspectives on personal experiences, societal constructs, and the evolving landscape of Pakistani contemporary art.
Curated by an experienced team of art professionals—Farrah Mehmood Rana, Amina Jamal Shah, and Maryam Saif—the exhibition served as a platform for established and emerging artists to showcase their creative expressions. The event was formally inaugurated by the esteemed Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, and Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed. Their presence also emphasised the importance of artistic discourse in shaping cultural narratives.
One of the defining aspects of Beyond Façade was its rich variety of themes and artistic approaches. The artists used different mediums, including traditional oil and miniature painting, mixed media, fibre art, photography, and digital installations, to explore issues ranging from self-reflection to socio-political commentary.
Several artists examined the role of nature in emotional healing and self-reflection. Ayesha Rehman, a Pakistani artist and educator, blended traditional techniques with contemporary perspectives to depict nature as a space for self-discovery. Her landscape-inspired works conveyed the emotional and aesthetic experiences that nature evokes, utilizing sensory elements like textures, sounds, and colours to enhance the viewer’s connection to the natural world.
Similarly, Ayesha Afzal’s Textured Symphony showcased her signature use of impasto techniques and rich textures to create a sensory experience of unity and peace in nature. Her expressive brushstrokes and harmonious colours emphasized the tranquillity found in natural landscapes.
Other artists used their work to navigate personal struggles and inner resilience. Aina Merzia, a Fine Arts graduate from Rawalpindi Women University, drew inspiration from her battle with chronic illness. Her piece, In Remission, utilized Neo-Miniature techniques and symbolic imagery—prickly fish scales representing pain, fluid carnations for rejuvenation, and anatomical motifs inspired by medical tests—to illustrate the cycles of suffering and healing.
Hafsa Hanif, another emerging artist, explored grief and personal loss following her father’s passing. Her work incorporated symbolic elements such as red roses representing her father’s memory, vines symbolizing imagination, and carnivorous plants depicting negative influences. Through these motifs, she highlighted the lasting emotional consequences of loss and the resilience required to move forward.
Mrs. Maryam Saif, a renowned artist and academician, founder of the Institute of Art & Design at the University of Sargodha. With an M.Phil. in Art Theory and an MFA in Painting/Textile & Graphic, she has over two decades of contributions to art education. Her work, exhibited in 40 national and 27 international shows, blends abstraction and realism to explore life’s complexities through colour, texture, and symbolism. Bashir Haidar, an art instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience, presented a compelling harmony within colour and text.
Rimsha Imran reinterprets cultural heritage by blending historical motifs with modern aesthetics, bridging tradition and contemporary design. Their work evokes emotion and inspires renewed appreciation for heritage across various creative fields.
Several artists addressed themes of gender, tradition, and modernity. Sana Humayun’s Emerging Echoes of Women in Pakistan presented a striking contrast between a traditionally dressed woman and modern urban architecture, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for gender equality. By using miniature-inspired 2D figures, she highlighted the resilience of women and their increasing role in advocating for societal change.
Khadija Abidullah’s work focused on the human journey toward fulfilments, incorporating the Neem rang technique with sepia tones and vibrant gouache accents. Through symbolic imagery, she encouraged self-reflection on aspirations, choices, and the impact of desires on individual and collective lives.
Hassan Babar, an Assistant Professor at the University of Sargodha, explored interdisciplinary fine arts through Fiber art and textile design. His work blended various mediums to express mystical experiences, merging contemporary and traditional artistic forms to create a deeply introspective visual narrative.
Iqra Ayyaz, a Lahore-based multidisciplinary artist and educator, examined identity crises through diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installations. Her work symbolized human existence through mitti (clay) as a tangible origin and gold as a metaphor for human potential, illustrating the eternal cycle of life and transformation.
Tariq Mahmood, a seasoned landscape artist and art educator, took inspiration from Punjab’s cultural heritage and historical sites. Moving away from traditional canvases, he adopted jute textures and distorted lines to redefine conventional landscape painting. His work paid homage to Pakistan’s rich history while simultaneously offering a modern reinterpretation of local scenery.
Beyond traditional techniques, Beyond Façade also showcased artists who pushed the boundaries of contemporary art through experimentation with materials and new media. Zarin Gul, an accomplished visual artist specializing in painting, video art, and augmented reality (AR), explored themes of gender, technology, and culture. Her work demonstrated how digital advancements are reshaping artistic expression, offering immersive experiences that engage audiences on a deeper level.
Similarly, Shumaila Islam a visual art practitioner incorporated unconventional materials like metallic elements, safety pins, and paper clips into her work, blurring the lines between organic and industrial aesthetics. By juxtaposing plant imagery with rigid metallic accents, she created compositions that symbolized resilience, transformation, and catharsis.
Naila Khan, an art educator specializing in textile and fashion, creates a seamless fusion of nature and textile design. Drawing inspiration from the intricate beauty of the natural world, she weaves organic forms and landscape patterns into vibrant, tactile textiles. By blending traditional techniques with modern materials, her work transforms nature’s essence into visually striking pieces that invite viewers to engage, explore, and experience the delicate details of the world around them
Iram Shaheen, a lecturer at the University of Sargodha, is known for her expertise in oil and acrylic painting, creating nature-inspired artworks that blend realism with artistic depth. She also explores experimental, site-specific works and has exhibited her art both nationally and internationally, including in Turkey.
Many artists in the exhibition delved into philosophical themes, using artistic expression as a means of exploring deeper existential questions. Faryal Altaf Lone’s miniature paintings examined the connection between the universe and the human mind, using space and water as metaphors for thoughts and life’s journey. Influenced by philosophy and personal experiences, her art invited viewers to reflect on existence and the fluidity of human consciousness.
Bushra Gul’s an art educator and artist explores emotions and the human experience, transitioning from 3D figurative work to expressive, colourful painting. Through vibrant hues and rough brushstrokes, she evokes raw emotions, inviting introspection and self-discovery while inspiring others to embrace solitude and deeper perspectives.
Nadia Abbasi, an award-winning painter and photographer, captured the intricacies of light, shadow, and memory in her work. By blending oil painting and photography, she evoked nostalgia and self-reflection, urging audiences to reconsider their own relationships with time and personal history.
Beyond Façade was more than just an exhibition—it was a dynamic space for dialogue, inquiry, and self-exploration. By presenting a wide array of artistic practices and thematic explorations, the exhibition challenged viewers to reconsider their perceptions of identity, culture, and the unseen layers of human experience.
Through an interplay of tradition and innovation, the participating artists used their creative voices to highlight the evolving narratives within Pakistani contemporary art. Whether addressing personal struggles, societal issues, or philosophical reflections, their works collectively emphasized the idea that beyond every façade lies a deeper, more intricate reality waiting to be uncovered.
This exhibition not only provided a platform for emerging and established artists but also reaffirmed the power of art as a tool for storytelling, introspection, and social change. By engaging with the hidden truths beneath surface appearances, Beyond Façade invited audiences to look beyond the obvious and embrace the profound complexities of the human experience.
BIOGRAPHY Shumaila Islam is a Lahore-based visual artist with an M.Phil. in Studio Practice Art & Design from PUCAD. She has exhibited her work in over 25 national and international group shows, including in Turkey, Greece, and the Izmir Biennale. Passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, her research explores the human self, nature, and spiritual growth. She has curated exhibitions, participated in artist residencies, and contributes to leading art magazines.
Ayesha Rehman
Beenish Azam
Zarin Gul
Faryal
Samia Aslam
Naila Khan
Shumaila
Sana Humayun
Farhana
Farida Fatima
Khadija Abaidullah