KARACHI: Artists from Pakistan and the UAE presenting at a special Ramadan exhibition in Dubai said this week such shows provided an opportunity for dialogue between cultures and to introduce Pakistani contemporary artists to global audiences. 

The group art exhibition called Spiritual Reflections is taking place at the Conrad Dubai in collaboration with UAE-based Pakistani fine artist Maria Lari, the founder of Social Arts, and award winning and internationally accredited art curator and consultant Faraz Siddiqui Karachiwala, who works between Karachi and Dubai. The show opened on Thursday, offering a curated selection of artworks centered around the transformative experiences of Ramadan.

According to a copy of the program, the artworks featured in Spiritual Reflections encompass a diverse range of artistic interpretations and visual narratives, exploring the themes of devotion, enlightenment, and wholeness. The exhibition aims to celebrate the evolving influence of art in nurturing spiritual growth, reflection, and self-discovery during the holy month of Ramadan. A total of 19 artists are participating from Pakistan, the UAE and one Saudi Arabia, selected out of over 100 submissions.

This is Karachiwala’s first curatorial project in the UAE.

“The main focus is to open endless possibilities and opportunities, fostering artistic connections between Pakistan and the UAE,” Karachiwala told Arab News in a phone interview.

“Being the first Pakistani to receive accreditation as an art curator from the Dubai government is an exceptional privilege. This allows me to contribute to the cultural landscape of the UAE in a more meaningful way. I am eager to explore these avenues with great enthusiasm and promote the rich cultural heritage of both countries.”

Soraya Sikander, widely considered one of the leading contemporary South Asian artists known for her landscapes and organic forms, said the show would expose UAE residents and others to Pakistani contemporary art.

“[They will be able to] see our thought process, ideas and inspiration,” Sikander, who has been based in the UAE since 2018, told Arab News on Thursday.

Sikander’s work takes inspiration from South Asian art history, Mughal fresco, architecture and Iranian and Persian carpets. At the ongoing exhibition, she is exhibiting a painting of a magnificent blue tree.

“What’s special about this work is it’s suggesting the Garden of Eden and the tree, celebrating trees as a life-giving form,” Sikander explained. “It is very closely aligned with the spirit of Ramadan, Eid, giving, and fruit, ruit of knowledge, fruit-bearing, life, heaven. It has a very spiritual significance.”

Sikander said such collaborations were significant as they “bridged the gap” between Pakistan and the UAE.

“They bring together commonality, for instance, the spirit of Ramadan, Eid, the entire month of fasting, sacrificing and selflessness. ‘Spiritual Reflections’ brings together a very shared history. More than an exhibition, it is a dialogue. It’s a dialogue between cultures, civilizations, and stories,” the artist added. 

“The UAE and Pakistan have a strong relationship in terms of trade, cultural exchanges and how people are connected with one another. Of course, Pakistan played such a significant role in the development of the GCC at the start. A lot of Emirati families came to Pakistan, especially to the city of Karachi, and they learnt and went to local schools [there].”

Another UAE-based Pakistani artist Shabnam Habib, who operates in abstract expressionism using mixed media and has showcased her work at many global exhibitions, also said the Conrad show would introduce the world to Pakistani contemporary art. 

“Pakistani artists showcasing their work in the UAE gives them recognition in that space,” she said. 

“We are expats here and being recognized for our creative aspects is a big thing for us. UAE always provides such opportunities to all creatives. There are diverse nationalities here.”

Mesh wire artist Mussarat Yasmin, who was born in Pakistan and brought up in the UAE and now heads the art department at an American School in the UAE, said she was excited to work with Pakistani curators. 

“I always wanted to work with Pakistani curators because in the UAE we do not have many Pakistani curators, this is the first time it’s happening,” she said. 

“This exhibition is a big bridge between the UAE and Pakistan because we Pakistani artists are showcasing our work in the exhibition curated by a Pakistani curator. We are in a big number here.”