Allama Iqbal's poetry comes alive on canvas

Saqi Nama shoulders Iqbal's thought, highlights his enduring intellectual legacy

ISLAMABAD:

An exhibition showcasing Allama Muhammad Iqbal's thought, philosophy and poetry through paintings and visual art opened at the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, with organisers describing it as an effort to connect the younger generation and wider public with the poet-philosopher's intellectual legacy.

Titled "Saqi Nama", the exhibition was organised by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) in collaboration with Off-Grid Studios as a tribute to Allama Iqbal. It features artworks by renowned artists Geytee Ara, Lubna Jehangir and Zara Haider Babry, presenting selected themes and verses from Iqbal's celebrated work through visual expressions.

The exhibition also seeks to convey Iqbal's message to a wider audience and encourage young people to engage with his poetry and philosophy. During the event, selected verses from Saqi Nama were recited, while the artists discussed the objectives of the exhibition, their creative journeys and the challenges involved in translating Iqbal's ideas into visual art.

Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, who inaugurated the exhibition, said presenting Iqbal's thought and philosophy through art was a unique and effective initiative.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the minister said efforts would be made to showcase such artworks at exhibitions abroad to introduce Iqbal's message to audiences around the world.

Appreciating the artworks on display, Khichi said he was delighted to see the remarkable work of the participating artists. He said they had beautifully transformed Iqbal's poetry and message into artistic expressions.

He said the artworks were of a high standard and comparable to some of the finest works presented internationally. Selected artworks, he added, would be preserved, while efforts would also be made to exhibit them abroad to present Iqbal's thought and message to the world in a unique and effective manner.

Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem expressed his pleasure over the organisation of the exhibition and described it as an artistic reflection of Iqbal's ideas and philosophy. He said its primary objective was to convey Iqbal's message to a wider audience.

Renowned artist Geytee Ara highlighted the objectives of the exhibition and spoke about her creative journey and the challenges involved in completing the unique artistic project. She particularly urged young people to visit the exhibition and read Iqbal's Saqi Nama to remain connected with their rich literary and intellectual heritage.

Renowned artist Zarar also recited selected verses from Saqi Nama, which were warmly appreciated by the audience. He highlighted various efforts to promote and present Iqbal's thought and message through different forms of artistic expression.