Dynamic Art Show by Women Artists held in Islamabad by Danish Embassy & Nomad Gallery
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Bold and beautiful paintings by 12 emerging women artists of Pakistan send a strong message of resilience and inspiration for all fellow women worldwide. The inspirational artwork also signifies that Pakistani women are prepared to take lead and reclaim their deserved place in society.
The exhibition, highlighting cultural issues and resilience of women, was arranged by the Danish Embassy in Islamabad jointly with Nomad Art Gallery and Cultural Center to promote local women artists. The exhibition ‘Reclaiming our space’, opened to the public on Pakistan’s National Women’s Day on February 12 at Nomad Art Gallery.
A total of 12 artists from all over Pakistan exhibited a dynamic collection of 27 pieces at a space in the ambassador of Denmark’s residence. The dynamic mix-media were the masterworks of Anjum Ayub, Ayesha Siddiqui, Farrah M. Adnan, Farah Khan, Iram Wani, Komal Shahid Khan, Nahid Raza, Sadia Hussain, Tayyaba Aziz, Rukhe Neelofar Zaidi, Samina Ali and Sumera Jawad.
A large gathering of diplomats, officials and art enthusiasts came to attend the art event. In his address to the gathering, Ambassador Jesper Sorensen termed the exhibition a collection of exciting art from some very talented Pakistani women. The level of interest and large crowd at the exhibition amazed the Ambassador who said that huge participation signify that people in Pakistan are craving for art, for culture, he said, explaining that art and culture are important means to bridge differences and create tolerance in society.
“By integrating gender in the mainstream planning of peace, security, and humanitarian actions, we not only promote women empowerment and participation but also believe that we help build stronger communities,” he said.
The launch was an opportunity for the Danish ambassador, Jesper Sorensen, to announce the launch of a Danish-sponsored cultural program in Pakistan and to mark the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in Denmark. “All of our activities will have gender as a cross-cutting feature this year, and we also have gender-specific projects as part of both our development and stabilisation activities”, Sorensen said.
Proud to present female artists. Empowering women helps build strong communities. Art builds bridges. #workingfordk pic.twitter.com/7cbcP335gk
— Jesper M. Sorensen (@jesperms) February 8, 2015
A team from Denmark visited Pakistan and met with a range of Pakistani cultural institutions, artists, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and identify interventions and partners for the potential cultural collaboration between Pakistan and Denmark. Ambassador Sorensen also hosted a working dinner for the visiting delegation where he had a fruitful and lively discussion with representatives from Pakistani arts and cultural institutions.
The group exhibition will be open for public at Nomad Art Gallery till Feb. 28 from 11am to 7pm.
Nageen Hyat, curator of Nomad Gallery, said the initiative by the Danish envoy was welcoming and appreciable. Hyat was proud to share the inspiring exhibition by twelve talented artists of Pakistan at her Art Gallery.
“This compelling exhibition honours women and highlight social and cultural issues related to violence while celebrating the inherent resilience and power of women” remarked Ms. Hyat.
“The aim (of the women artists) is to harness the transformative power of art to promote awareness, provoke dialogue and inspire action toward the violence experienced by women worldwide and specifically in patriarchal, feudal societies,” she says adding: “It is time to claim what belongs to us while aiming at progressive profile and perspective.”
Photo courtesy: Denmark embassy Facebook page
