Noor Mukaddam’s artworks go on display at PNCA
Visitors view Noor Muqaddam’s calligraphy while some women make a painting of her name in her memory. PHOTOs: Zafar Raja/Express
To share Noor Mukaddam’s artistic endeavours with the public and to honour her memory, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts organised an exhibition on Friday.
Veteran artist Syed Jamal Shah curated the show titled ‘Noor–honouring the life and works of Noor Mukadam’.
The exhibition showcased Noor’s artwork, notably her calligraphy and a recreation of her room where she painted.
Noor was tragically taken in an act of horrific violence on July 20, 2021.
“Our goal for this exhibition is foremost to showcase Noor's expression of grace and humility through her art. However, art is also formative in raising awareness and empowering individuals to speak out and act against the discrepancies in our society,” said Shah.
Addressing the audience, Noor’s father, Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam spoke of his daughter’s spiritual and artistic inclination. “She was a bright illustration of love and compassion in the often volatile and unsettling world of today. Noor expressed her passion for Islam through her creativity. Using art, she transmitted the voice of the Divine in a unique and beautiful way.”
Ambassador Mukadam also highlighted the importance to end violence against women and girls. “Her untimely death has fanned the flames of a revolution for the women of Pakistan as they continue to fight against gender-based violence. Her story has touched countless citizens.”, he said.
The date of the exhibition coincides with the last day of the UN’s global campaign – 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
The event ended with a poetry recital by Muniba Mazari, ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou along with the live painting by artists Tulin Khalid Azim, Rabia Ayub and Shafaq Hasnain Zaidi.
A large number of people, including notable dignitaries and foreign ambassadors attended the show. The exhibition will continue till Saturday (today) at the PNCA.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2021.