Solo exhibit showcases life struggles

Attracts diplomats, art enthusiasts and members of public

ISLAMABAD:

A solo painting exhibition titled "Silent Horizons – A Journey Through Brush and Soul" by artist Barkaat was held at Pakistan House in Paris.

The event attracted diplomates, art enthusiasts, and members of the public.

In his welcoming remarks, Pakistan's Ambassador to France, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasised that "Silent Horizons" highlights the intersection of disability and artistry, presenting a narrative of remarkable beauty.

He described the exhibition as not just a display of paintings, but a profound life story.

The ambassador recounted Barkaat's journey, beginning with a life-altering accident 16 years ago that resulted in brain damage, leaving him paralyzed and aphasic. Despite these challenges, Barkaat found self-expression through painting, which became a testament to the human spirit's resilience.

Barkaat has pursued formal education in the arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honours from Punjab University and an M Phil in Visual Arts from the National College of Arts in Lahore, where he focused his thesis on disability.

His work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally and has played a significant role in advancing the Disability Arts Movement in Pakistan, promoting the inclusion of individuals with special needs through artistic expression.

The exhibition included a discussion featuring Dr Arshia Ahmad, a neurologist and Barkaat's sister, who was instrumental in his recovery and artistic development. The dialogue explored various aspects of his journey, including medical, scientific, and social dimensions.