ISLAMABAD: An exhibition exploring the joys and burdens of human relationships and familial roles opened at the Satrang Gallary in the federal capital.

‘Bound by the Code’, a two-person show, features the works of painter Faten Suleman and sculptor Nazir Hunzai.

The collection questions the societal pressures that define human roles and responsibilities and the human propensity to lose oneself in fulfilling the demands human connections place on us.

Satrang Gallery Director Asma Rashid Khan said she was delighted to host Faten Suleman and Nazir Hunzai’s work.

“This exhibition is a celebration of life’s beauty and its challenges, reflecting on the roles we inhabit and the societal expectations that shape them,” Ms Khan said.

The artists’ work explores universal themes of love, sacrifice and resilience, while also questioning the compromises we make as individuals, she added.

Faten Suleman takes visitors on a deeply personal journey through motherhood, capturing its raw, unfiltered essence while Nazir Hunzai offers a poignant commentary on the constraints of modern life, reminding everyone of the inherent value of individuality and the yearning to reconnect with nature.

Together, their works create a dialogue that transcends cultural boundaries, inviting visitors to reflect on their lives and the balance between fulfilling roles and honouring their authentic selves.

Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan Irena Gancheva was the guest of honour at the opening.

She said, “It is indeed my great pleasure to inaugurate this remarkable exhibition which explores the profound complexities of the human experience, delving into the joys and burdens we carry throughout our lives.”

Art, as we all know, transcends boundaries and speaks a universal language, she said. It has the remarkable power to connect us, to bridge cultures, and to foster empathy and understanding among different countries and across diverse communities, Ms Gancheva noted.

“And this is the main reason why art and culture in general have a significant place and role in diplomacy as well, especially in today’s world, faced with numerous challenges, where building understanding becomes more important than ever,” she said.

Ms Gancheva also noted that Faten and Nazir present unique perspectives on the universal theme of the nature of life.

Faten uses her work to capture the beautiful chaos of motherhood while Nazir explores the tension between societal expectations and our innate desire for individuality, she said, adding that through their contrasting styles, the exhibition offers a poignant reflection on the human condition.

“Their artwork reminds us of the beauty and challenges of fulfilling our roles, the sacrifices we make for loved ones, and the importance of staying true to ourselves.”

Faten Suleman said motherhood is exhausting, inspiring, soul-sucking, beautiful and purpose-giving.

“My recent works are a visual journal of my journey as a mother and so each piece of work that I create, carries a part of me. The imagery celebrates the resilience and the beauty of the relationship whilst invoking a sense of familiarity and an emotional connection in the viewer,” she said.

Monkeys are creatures forever children at heart. By juxtaposing the female form with these animals, I create a dialogue, a reflection of the wild, untamed spirit that mothers nurture within themselves and their children, she added.

Nazir Hunzai said his work focuses on organic figures inspired by Venus of Willendorf, drawn in the simplest form — encouraged to navigate in a world of rigid, man-made structures and through constraints of modern, urban life.

“This feeling of misfit stems from the pressure to conform, to suppress our authentic selves and become a machine. My work depicts the want to connect with nature – a yearning often stifled by the demands of our mechanised world and the expectations of the society which is often prioritised over the individual well-being.”

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2025