ISLAMABAD: As visitors moved through the white-walled hall of 8B2 Gallery in Chak Shahzad on Saturday evening, a series of photographs capturing women in quiet but defiant moments drew lingering gazes, while nearby paintings layered with colour and memory reflected stories of identity, tradition and belonging.

The exhibition, “Reclaiming Space”, began with the rhythmic movements of a classical Kathak performance, as dance performed by Punjrush set the tone for an exhibition centred on expression, identity and women’s presence in public spaces.

Afterwards, the event brought together works by Lahore-based visual artist Fatima Aamer Mustafa and Karachi-based photographer Syeda Abqurah Shaukat, exploring how women navigate visibility, culture and personal agency within social spaces.

The exhibition presented paintings and photographic works that question who occupies public and private spaces, and whose stories often remain unseen.

Abqurah’s photographs portray women in candid and emotionally charged settings, capturing moments of resistance and vulnerability.

Fatima’s paintings, meanwhile, draw from everyday urban life and lived experiences, weaving narratives around memory, celebration and the dynamics of gendered spaces.

Curator of the exhibition, Zareen Khan, said the exhibition attempted to highlight women’s freedom “to be seen” through two distinct artistic practices.

“Both artists bring different yet complementary perspectives, using separate mediums to express layered and powerful stories,” she added.

Speaking about the gallery’s vision, founder Fatima Hamid said the space aimed to provide an inclusive platform for artists whose work engages with contemporary social realities.

“Our gallery supports both emerging and established artists whose work reflects society while remaining relevant to contemporary discourse,” she said.

Fatima Aamer Mustafa, a graduate of the National College of Arts, is known for work rooted in social commentary and everyday experiences. Her practice examines women’s lived realities, gender roles and questions of visibility within familiar environments.

Her previous exhibitions include Layers in Time, Many Facets of Eve and her solo show Flâneuse in Islamabad.

Syeda Abqurah Shaukat, an alumna of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, works across photography and visual storytelling, often focusing on themes of gender, rebellion and collective memory. She is also the founder of Chashm-i-Zan, a women-led platform supporting emerging photographers.

Artists say reclaiming spaces is critically important for gender equality and empowerment in both private and public sectors. This is a celebration of women taking up space, unapologetically showcasing their true selves.

Women have historically been marginalised in public spaces, in workplaces and even in their homes. The reclamation of space is a necessary push against patriarchal norms and systemic inequality.

Artists call to make a presence in spaces that are rightfully theirs, which they have long been excluded from or denied access to due to silent rules and an implicit, patriarchal system.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026