Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), in collaboration with Nomad Gallery, successfully held the exhibition From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue, curated by renowned artist and cultural advocate Nageen Hyat. The exhibition opened on August 1, 2025, at the National Art Gallery, Islamabad, and drew inspiration from the iconic Punjabi folklore epic Saif-ul-Malook, presenting its mystic and metaphysical themes through contemporary visual interpretations.
The exhibition was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, whose presence highlighted the value of cultural dialogue and creative exchange between nations.
Inspired by the spiritual depth of Saif-ul-Malook, the exhibition explored the journey of the soul—from the surreal and material to the real and divine. While the epic is traditionally known as a romantic tale between Prince Saif-ul-Malook and the fairy Badi-ul-Jamal, the works on display illuminated its deeper Sufi symbolism and the soul’s pursuit of union with the Infinite.
Curator Nageen Hyat remarked:
“This exhibition was a reflection on the timeless journey of love—not merely romantic, but deeply spiritual. It captured the transformation of the self, the nation, and our collective inner worlds as we searched for truth beyond the visible.”
Artists Mehmood ul Hassan, Farrukh Shahab, Syed A. Irfan, Naila Hussain, Dr. Samina Zaheer, and Faisal Kuhzad contributed compelling works in painting and mixed media, each offering personal and philosophical insights into themes of transcendence, inner awakening, divine longing, and spiritual identity.
The exhibition resonated with viewers by linking the spiritual narrative of Saif-ul-Malook to Pakistan’s own ongoing journey—towards unity, self-awareness, and a higher national consciousness.
Ms. Mariam Ahmed, Director VAD PNCA, said Special thanks to the esteemed Cheif Guest Ambassador for inaugurating this event. She also shared appreciation to the talented artists who have shared their work with us. And to Nomad Gallery, I offer my sincerest thanks for another successful collaboration.
Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan, remarked, “This exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire and uplift us. I really enjoyed the journey through surrealism and the reality that the artists have created.”
The event was well attended by dignitaries, artists, students, and art enthusiasts.
The exhibition is open for public viewing from Sunday, 3rd August, till 8th August 2025
