KEY POINTS
- The exhibition transforms public lawns into an immersive sculptural environment with over 30 artists.
- Curator Noor Fatima aims to democratise art by encouraging public, reflective engagement outside traditional galleries.
- The project underscores PNCA’s commitment to innovative art and activating public spaces for civic dialogue.
ISLAMABAD: In a pioneering move for Pakistan’s cultural scene, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) has opened ‘In the Meantime: An Installation Garden’, the country’s first large-scale, curated outdoor exhibition of contemporary installations.
Situated on the PNCA lawns, the project transforms public green space into an immersive sculptural environment, inviting the public to experience art beyond the traditional gallery wall.
Curated by Noor Fatima, the landmark exhibition gathers over thirty established and emerging artists whose works engage deeply with themes of space, time, materiality, ecology, and community. This ambitious initiative redefines the premises as a dynamic site for public reflection and dialogue, marking a significant evolution in Pakistan’s contemporary art scene.
A new chapter for public art and engagement
The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, reflecting the exhibition’s national and international significance.
Aurangzab Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, and Georg Steiner, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan, attended as Chief Guests. Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for the National Heritage and Culture Division, was the Guest of Honour.
The event also saw the presence of several foreign diplomats, senior officials, artists, and cultural commentators.
“In the Meantime is an invitation to pause and perceive our surroundings anew,” stated curator Noor Fatima. “By placing contemporary installations in an open, accessible environment, we encourage a slower, more reflective engagement with art. This exhibition is a vital step in supporting experimental practices and democratizing the artistic experience for everyone.”
A diverse tapestry of artistic voices
The exhibition showcases a wide array of artistic visions, featuring works by prominent names such as Abdul Jabbar Gull, Azma Sarwar, Hassan Mujtaba, Jamil Baloch, Maheen Riaz, and Zahid-ul-Haq, alongside exciting new voices.
The installations utilise varied materials and forms, from sculptural interventions to site-specific works, collectively creating a walkable landscape that challenges conventional viewing habits.
This groundbreaking project underscores PNCA’s renewed commitment to fostering innovative art, facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, and activating public spaces as platforms for creative and civic exchange.
In the Meantime, An Installation Garden is now open to the public till February 18, offering a unique opportunity to wander, contemplate, and connect with contemporary art in the heart of Islamabad.
