Father-son exhibit celebrates cultural exchange

The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) recently hosted the concluding leg of a remarkable art exhibition showcasing the works of an internationally acclaimed father-son duo, Sri Lankan abstract artist Mueen Saheed and his son, Bilaal Raji Saheed.

Following successful exhibitions at the Lahore Museum and a prominent gallery in Lahore, this exhibition marks the final stop of their highly anticipated three-show tour in Pakistan. The exhibition has garnered widespread appreciation from the Pakistani public, art enthusiasts and prominent collectors.

Mueen Saheed, celebrated for his abstract interpretations of cultural heritage, presented a body of work that explores the ancient cave and rock inscriptions of Sri Lanka. Merging these with elements of the famous Apsara paintings, his pieces resonated deeply with the audience. In a gesture of goodwill, Mueen also gifted one of his paintings to a renowned museum's permanent collection.

Bilaal Raji Saheed, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, showcased a series of works that reflected his cultural musings and observations from his Sri Lankan heritage. His distinct artistic voice added an innovative dimension to the exhibition, offering a unique blend of modernity and tradition.

The chief guest at the Islamabad exhibition's inauguration, Federal Minister for Information and Culture, Atta Ullah Tarar, expressed his admiration for the thought-provoking artwork and its contribution to cross-cultural dialogue. In his address, he emphasised the importance of such international exhibitions in strengthening artistic and cultural ties between nations. He further invited Mueen Saheed to commemorate the strong friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka by creating a painting at a significant heritage site in Pakistan.

The minister also expressed his gratitude towards the Qatar Museums Chairperson, Shaykha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, for her patronage of the arts and her efforts in fostering cross-cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Qatar. He noted the significance of the Saheeds' exhibition in continuing this trend of cultural collaboration, with hopes for future exchanges both locally and internationally.