Farida Batool, Nai Reesan Shehr Lahore Diyan (2006), Lenticular Print, 81 x 162 cm, Naazish Ata-Ullah Collection, Courtesy of the Artist ©
Qatar Museums has launched MANZAR: Art and Architecture from Pakistan 1940s to Today, a groundbreaking exhibition exploring over 80 years of Pakistani art and architecture. On view through January 31, 2025, this first-of-its-kind showcase features more than 200 works spanning paintings, drawings, photographs, videos, sculptures, installations, tapestries, and miniatures. Complementing this array are commissioned pieces by contemporary artists and architects from Pakistan and its diaspora, offering an expansive perspective on the nation’s creative evolution.
A Royal Opening for a Pioneering Exhibit
The exhibition was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, alongside Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums. Joining them were His Excellency Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Catherine Grenier, Director of Concept at the Art Mill Museum. Together with the curatorial team, they celebrated this monumental event, which represents a significant step in fostering cultural exchange and dialogue.
Organized by the future Art Mill Museum in collaboration with the National Museum of Qatar, MANZAR reflects the rich artistic and architectural narratives that have defined Pakistan’s cultural identity over the past eight decades.
The exhibition’s title, MANZAR, is an Urdu and Arabic word meaning “scene,” “view,” “landscape,” or “perspective,” encapsulating the exhibition’s thematic and visual breadth. Spread across 12 thematic galleries, the display unfolds in a loosely chronological order, beginning with the pioneering works of artists like Abdur Rahman Chughtai and Zainul Abedin, whose careers bridged the pre-Partition British Raj and the formation of Pakistan.
Partition and Beyond
The Partition of 1947 emerges as a pivotal theme, with pieces by artists like Anna Molka Ahmed, Zarina, and Bani Abidi reflecting its profound social and cultural impact. Moving into the mid-20th century, the exhibition highlights aesthetic experimentation by figures such as Shakir Ali, Zubeida Agha, Murtaja Baseer, and Sadequain, whose distinctive styles redefined artistic expression in urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, Dhaka, and Islamabad.
Architecture and the Nation-Building Era
MANZAR also spotlights Pakistan’s architectural heritage, beginning with the contributions of Western modernist architects in the nation’s early years. Michel Ecochard (France) designed Karachi’s first university, Konstantínos Doxiádis (Greece) planned Islamabad, and U.S. architects such as Louis Kahn, Richard Neutra, and Edward Durell Stone helped shape the nation’s institutions.
The exhibit then shifts to Pakistan’s critical role in the debate on regionalism in architecture, exemplified by the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, first held in Lahore in 1980. Featured architects include Nayyar Ali Dada, Kamil Khan Mumtaz, Yasmeen Lari, Habib Fida Ali, and Arif Hasan, whose groundbreaking projects merged cultural heritage with modernity.
Among the visual highlights are works by multidisciplinary innovators like Zahoor ul Akhlaq, Imran Mir, and Rasheed Araeen, whose creations challenged Western artistic traditions both in Pakistan and globally. Influential educators such as Salima Hashmi, Quddus Mirza, and Lala Rukh are represented alongside contemporary figures like Rashid Rana, Imran Qureshi, Risham Syed, and Hamra Abbas. These artists have not only redefined Pakistan’s creative landscape but have also trained future generations at institutions like the National College of Arts (NCA) and the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture.
A Celebration of Culture, History, and Sustainability
MANZAR brings together works from esteemed public institutions in Pakistan, including the Alhamra Art Museum(Lahore) and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (Islamabad). Private collections from Pakistan, Dubai, London, and New York add depth to the exhibition, alongside select pieces from Qatar Museums’ own holdings.
Accompanying the exhibit is a vibrant public program featuring performances, talks, screenings, and interactive events. Visitors can explore indoor and outdoor installations that delve into themes of sustainability, ecologies, and the politics of land and water.
A richly illustrated 312-page exhibition catalogue, designed by Kiran Ahmad, has been published by the future Art Mill Museum. This comprehensive volume includes essays by leading historians, artists, and architects, offering deeper insights into the themes of the exhibition.
A Platform for Global Narratives
Presented as part of Qatar Creates’ Fall/Winter 2024-2025 Season, MANZAR not only highlights Pakistan’s cultural heritage but also bridges communities and narratives. It serves as a tribute to the Pakistani diaspora in Qatar, fostering connections between local and international audiences while underscoring Pakistan’s contributions to global art and architecture.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition—a celebration of history, creativity, and cultural exchange. Visit MANZAR at Qatar Museums before January 31, 2025, and discover how Pakistan’s artistic and architectural legacy resonates with today’s world.
