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ISLAMABAD, Feb 06 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Friday said that contemporary art plays a vital role in reconnecting society with its environment, culture, and collective consciousness, emphasizing that public spaces should be transformed into vibrant, inclusive cultural platforms accessible to all citizens.
He expressed these views while inaugurating “In the Meantime: An Installation Garden”, Pakistan’s first large-scale curated outdoor installation exhibition, organized by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) at its premises.
Curated by Noor Fatima, the landmark exhibition brings together a diverse group of leading and emerging artists whose works explore themes of space, time, ecology, materiality, and shared human experience.
By converting the PNCA lawns into an immersive sculptural landscape, the exhibition redefines public space as a site of reflection, interaction, and artistic dialogue.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Mr. Georg Steiner, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan, as Chief Guest, while Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Division, participated as guest of honour. Ambassadors of the Czech Republic, China, the Philippines, and Ethiopia, along with DG PNCA Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, senior officials, artists, media representatives, and cultural enthusiasts were present.
Speaking on the occasion, the federal minister praised PNCA’s initiative, noting that such innovative exhibitions promote creative thinking, encourage youth engagement with art, and enhance Pakistan’s cultural image internationally.
The exhibition showcased works by Abdul Jabbar Gull, Ain Tamkeen, Asjad Faraz, Azma Sarwar, Bilal Jabbar, Casim Mahmood, Ehtisham Jadoon, Faizan Naveed, Hafsa Nouman Qureshi, Hassan Ali, Hassan Mujtaba, Hassan Sheikh, Hidayat Marwat, Hussain Jamil, Imran Hunzai, Jamil Baloch, Maheen Riaz, Maha Sohail, Mishaim Gardezi, Muhammad Ahsan, Nazir Hunzai, Neele Ahmed, Nolwenn Keraudren, Rafiqullah Khan, Suleman Faisal, Tayyaba Idrees Qureshi, Ubaid Tariq, Waheed Latif, Yahya Khan, Zahid-ul-Haq, and Zahra Jadoon.
Curator Noor Fatima said the exhibition invites audiences to slow down and engage with space differently, encouraging encounters with contemporary art beyond traditional gallery formats.
“In the Meantime: An Installation Garden” underscores PNCA’s commitment to fostering progressive artistic practices, supporting large-scale experimentation, and promoting cross-cultural exchange, and will remain open to the public for visitors to experience art in an open civic environment.