ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts in collaboration with Nomad Gallery held an exhibition “From Surreal to the Real - A Spiritual Travelogue.”

Curated by cultural advocate Nageen Hyat, the exhibition opened on Friday at the National Art Gallery and draws inspiration from the Punjabi folklore epic Saiful Malook, presenting its mystic and metaphysical themes through contemporary visual interpretations.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, whose presence highlighted the value of cultural dialogue and creative exchange between nations.

Inspired by the spiritual depth of Saiful Malook, the exhibition explored the journey of the soul - from the surreal and material to the real and divine. While the epic was traditionally known as a romantic tale between Prince Saiful Malook and the fairy Badiul Jamal, the works on display illuminated its deeper Sufi symbolism and the soul’s pursuit of union with the Infinite.

Curator Nageen Hyat remarked, “This exhibition was a reflection on the timeless journey of love - not merely romantic, but deeply spiritual. It captured the transformation of the self, the nation, and our collective inner worlds as we searched for truth beyond the visible.”

Artists Mehmoodul Hassan, Farrukh Shahab, Syed A. Irfan, Naila Hussain, Dr Samina Zaheer and Faisal Kuhzad contributed compelling works in painting and mixed media, each offering personal and philosophical insights into themes of transcendence, inner awakening, divine longing, and spiritual identity.

The exhibition resonated with viewers by linking the spiritual narrative of Saiful Malook to Pakistan’s own ongoing journey - towards unity, self-awareness and a higher national consciousness.

Mariam Ahmed, Director Visual Arts Department, PNCA, extended appreciation to the talented artists. “And to Nomad Gallery, I offer my sincerest thanks for another successful collaboration.”

Ambassador Shuichi remarked, “This exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire and uplift us. I really enjoyed the journey through surrealism and the reality that the artists have created.”

The exhibition is open for public viewing from August 3 till Aug 8.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2025