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ISLAMABAD, May 29 (APP): A striking solo exhibition titled “Intention vs Convention: Fluid Presence” by renowned German artist Dagmar Rauwald inaugurated at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Thursday.
Running from May 29 to June 03, the exhibition marks a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange between Pakistan and Germany.
The opening ceremony was graced by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, Shahid Kamal who highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and shared artistic values in strengthening bilateral relations.
With a distinguished diplomatic career across France, the United States, Sweden, and Germany, Ambassador Kamal’s presence underscored Pakistan’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The event also featured the support of PNCA Director General Mohammad Ayoub Jamali and curator Mariam Ahmed, who played pivotal roles in bringing the exhibition to life.
Central to the exhibition’s curatorial vision was Pakistani visual artist and educator Farrah Mehmood, whose efforts elevated the artistic dialogue and laid a foundation for future creative collaborations between the two nations.
Dagmar Rauwald, a Hamburg-based artist recognized for her conceptual and emotionally expressive work, presented a compelling collection of paintings rendered on transparent film.
Her bold gestures and layered techniques explore the tensions between opacity and light, permanence and transience. Inspired by media imagery, socio-political themes, and the lyrical forms of Urdu calligraphy, Rauwald’s art delves deep into notions of hybridity, identity, and gender.
Her innovative use of transparent foils offers viewers a unique interpretive experience—what she terms a “fluid presence”—bridging Eastern and Western aesthetics in a dialogue both intimate and global. Rauwald’s work has earned her critical acclaim both nationally and internationally for its thought-provoking themes and transcultural resonance.
A congratulatory message from Dr. Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, further reinforced the significance of the event. Dr. Brosda praised the initiative as a beacon of artistic diplomacy and called for sustained exchanges between Hamburg and Islamabad in the field of arts and culture.
The exhibition drew a wide and appreciative audience from the arts, diplomatic corps, media, and development sectors. Attendees praised the show for its depth, originality, and universal message that art transcends language and borders.
As part of the exhibition’s public engagement, a painting workshop led by Ms. Rauwald is scheduled for May 30 at 11:00 AM. Interested participants can register via email at pncavad.nag@gmail.com.
With its powerful message and collaborative spirit, “Intention vs Convention: Fluid Presence” not only enriches the Pakistani art scene but also sets a precedent for future Pakistan-Germany cultural partnerships.