ISLAMABAD:A two-day exposition of representative artworks by a group of senior and upcoming artists opened at a local hotel on Saturday, illustrating the ravages, resilience and struggle of women in Pakistani society.

Titled Shanakht, the show is part of commemorations of International Women’s Day and the 37th anniversary of Nomad Gallery’s inception.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar inaugurated the exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Nishtar said: “It’s a fascinating exhibition. Each piece of art illustrates the ravages of violence to aspirations of women to cultural diversity. So many aspects covered by very young women artists and more importantly by male artists on International Women’s Day.”

“I congratulate the participating artists for exhibiting wonderful art pieces here. I also congratulate Nageen Hyatt on the 37thanniversary of Nomad,” she added.

The special assistant praised Ms Hyatt, calling her an iconic woman.

“Nageen is truly an iconic woman in terms of what she has done and achieved during the last almost four decades. She has single-handedly pushed the needle on arts and culture in so many different and diverse ways,” she said.

Ms Nishtar said Ms Hyatt had not only nurtured many young women artists and promoted their art but also used her expertise, skills, deep knowledge and passion for social change in so many ways and through institutional instruments including Shanakht.

“There are millions of men and women whose livelihood, sustenance and place in society depend on what they produce as well as the knowledge and skills they have learnt from their mothers over the years,” Ms Nishtar said.

“We are structuring the Ehsaas programme around it. There are many threads in it to empower women and create a livelihood for them through interest-free loans, income programme strictly 50pc for women and many other initiatives centred around Ehsaas programme,” she added.

Responding to a question, the special assistant said the Ehsaas programmes would be fully implemented in Gilgit-Baltistan after completion of a survey of the target population.

Earlier in her welcome speech, Nomad’s founding director Nageen Hyatt said: “We have created art across gender and an environment that enables women and men to achieve their fullest potential equitably, influence society and benefit from opportunities for the advancement of society.”

She said due to Covid-19 pandemic there had been a recession, affecting small and medium-sizedbusinesses. Lockdowns have resulted in enormous social ramifications, including escalateddomestic violence and psychological issues.

“These circumstances necessitate the adaptation of and cultivation of collaborations and moving forward with a positive approach to support, in particular, the creative elements of society, artists and artisans, home-based workers, musicians, writers, women-led initiatives and so forth.”

She lauded Sania Nishtar for her tireless efforts for the lesser privileged class through the Ehsaas programme.

Ms Hyatt said Nomad would contribute a certain percentage of the proceeds to a girls school and for women empowerment.

Shanakht features over 30 artworks by Masood A. Khan, Rukhe Nelofar Zaidi, Abrar Ahmed, Hussain Chandio, Sumera Jawad, Ahmed Habib, Irum Wani, Akram Dost, Komal Shahid, Shazly Khan, Jamil Baloch, Samina A. Akhtar, Shireen Bano Rizvi, Farrah Mahmood, Saima Salahuddin (Aimon), Humaira (late), Shabana Ali, Samia Aslam and Riffat Khattak.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2021