ISLAMABAD: A photography exhibition exploring the lifestyle of the people of Hunza, titled ‘Bring the Change’, opened on Wednesday.

Rather than survey the landscapes of Pakistan’s Northern Areas – a topographical notion that is too often simplified and its central diversity ignored – the exhibition by siblings, Aroosa and Farhad Hakim Ally, portrayed people of the northern regions.

The exhibition title was inspired by Aroosa’s desire to promote Pakistan in a positive light abroad.

While studying in the United States, she learnt of fallacies and damaging implications about Pakistan in the West, and has attempted to “bring the change” and redefine Pakistan’s image abroad. She has held four exhibitions in the US and two in Dubai.

“This is my sister’s project and I’ve only facilitated her with it. She wishes she could’ve been here but her exams have kept her away.

Aroosa, before moving to the US, took a trip to the northern areas and was completely wowed by the scenic beauty, the people and the institutions working there. Witnessing the negativity by the West towards Pakistan, she conceptualised the idea of changing the perspectives through pictures,” Farhad said at the exhibition.

Aroosa elaborated on her inspiration while speaking to Dawn over the phone.

“My motivation and inspiration came from my love for the country that brought up my family and gave me the values and morals I live with in today’s world.

“The outside world has been blinded to the true physical and emotional beauty of Pakistan and I want to bring out the true essence of the country, and the best place to start this story was in Hunza,” Aroosa said.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Hashoo Group chairman Sadruddin Hashwani, who praised the duo for promoting the northern areas and showcasing the beauty of Pakistan.

He said: “Allah has blessed this country with the most beautiful sights, mountains, shores and most of us haven’t even explored 5pc of Pakistan. I would request all of you to visit northern areas and the glorious valleys, for there is nothing more beautiful in Europe that we don’t have here in Pakistan.”

The exhibit explodes with colour and energy, and the vivid works come together in splashes of bright reds, purples, oranges and greens.

The splendour of the exhibition is that it allows one to view the various features of Hunza’s landscapes and while each piece comes with its own style, the exhibit is wholly integrated under its theme.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2017