KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday inaugurated “Light Upon Light,” a new Islamic spiritual art exhibition at Karachi’s Keol Art Gallery, featuring global artists exploring the Qur’anic metaphor of divine illumination, the provincial government said.
The event marks the first RadiantArts exhibition held in Karachi. RadiantArts — Anwaar Al-Funun — is a women-led, non-profit arts initiative of the Dawoodi Bohra community, which has previously hosted 14 exhibitions across Africa, Sri Lanka, India and the United States to promote artistic expression rooted in Islamic and cultural heritage.
Curated by Alifiya Abbas Ali and organized under the patronage of Dawat-e-Hadiya, the exhibition brings together international artists whose works draw on Qur’anic symbolism, sacred geometry, calligraphy and design traditions historically associated with classical Islamic art and Fatimid-era motifs. The theme takes inspiration from the Qur’anic Verse of Light (Surah Al-Nur, 24:35), a metaphor that has shaped Muslim artistic and spiritual expression for centuries.
“This exhibition is a remarkable blend of creativity and spirituality,” Shah said after touring all 19 display corners of paintings, illuminated works, calligraphy, textile art and installations. “The artists have beautifully expressed the concept of light as a symbol of divine guidance. It is truly inspiring to see art that uplifts the soul and enriches cultural understanding.”
He added that the initiative reflected Sindh’s longstanding commitment to cultural diversity and intellectual expression.
“Sindh has always embraced diversity, culture, and intellectual expression. I commend RadiantArts and the Dawoodi Bohra community for bringing such meaningful artistic work to Karachi. This exhibition reflects the shared values of harmony, peace, and enlightenment.”
The exhibition includes works inspired by the Qur’anic passage “Allah is the Wali of the believers; He leads them from darkness into light” (2:257) and references classical motifs such as Fatimid architectural patterns, illuminated manuscripts and symbolic forms that interpret the journey from darkness to enlightenment as Noorun Ala Noor, or “Light upon Light.”
Shah also highlighted the social value of artistic initiatives:
“Such initiatives strengthen social harmony and provide our youth with meaningful opportunities to connect with their heritage. I look forward to more cultural collaborations that promote creativity, dialogue, and unity.”
