KEY POINTS
- Jordanian Ambassador inaugurates week-long tribute to Balochistan’s artistic soul
- PNCA and Nomad Gallery join hands to preserve Pakistan’s cultural heritage until May 24
ISLAMABAD: Imagine standing before a canvas that doesn’t just show you a landscape but whispers the ancient stories of a region often misunderstood. Now imagine that canvas stitched not only with paint but with the soul of Baloch embroidery, weaving, and wood carving.
That is precisely what awaits visitors at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, where a retrospective exhibition of renowned Pakistani artist, painter, and sculptor Akram Dost Baloch opened on Thursday.
Organised by PNCA in collaboration with Nomad Gallery and curated by Nageen Hyat, the exhibition is a rare journey through five decades of an artist who has dedicated his life to preserving and reimagining the cultural identity of Balochistan.
Jordanian ambassador inaugurates the show
The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Maen Khreasat, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as Chief Guest. He was accompanied by M. Ayoub Jamali, Director General PNCA, along with diplomats, artists, members of civil society, and art enthusiasts.
Speaking at the inauguration, H.E. Dr. Maen Khreasat said, “It is a privilege to inaugurate this retrospective of Akram Dost Baloch, whose work speaks powerfully to the resilience and cultural depth of Balochistan. Art has a unique ability to preserve identity and build bridges between peoples, and this exhibition is a testament to Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage. I commend PNCA and Nomad Gallery for bringing such important cultural narratives to the forefront.”
‘More real than reality itself’
Curator Nageen Hyat acknowledged the lifelong contribution of the artist and emphasised the importance of preserving and documenting Pakistan’s artistic heritage through collaborative cultural initiatives.
Aqeel Solangi, Visual Artist and Head of Fine Arts Department at NCA Rawalpindi, offered a poignant reflection: “Akram Dost Baloch’s work reflects the collective consciousness of Balochistan, exploring themes of identity, sociopolitical realities, and the human condition with remarkable depth and honesty. I see Dost’s work as more real than reality itself, a space where one can search for deeper meanings and perhaps understand life a little better.”
From Nushki to international acclaim
Akram Dost Baloch is regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading contemporary artists and a pioneering figure in the visual arts of Balochistan.
Hailing from Nushki, he is widely known for his paintings and sculptures that portray the cultural identity, landscapes, and socio-political realities of Balochistan through a contemporary visual language rooted in traditional Baloch motifs, embroidery, weaving, and wood carving.
A graduate of the National College of Arts (NCA), he served as a founding faculty member and former Chairperson of the Fine Arts Department at the University of Balochistan. His distinguished contribution to the arts was recognized with the prestigious Pride of Performance in 2004 by the President of Pakistan.
His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, including exhibitions in Paris and participation in the Asian Art Biennale.
What’s on display
The retrospective features selected works from his acclaimed ‘Identity’ series and other major bodies of work exploring themes of culture, memory, identity, and belonging, while also highlighting his academic research on traditional Baloch embroidery and handicrafts.
A cultural homecoming
The exhibition was organised as part of PNCA’s continued efforts to promote Pakistan’s artistic heritage and recognise the services of senior artists who shaped the country’s cultural landscape.
The exhibition is open for public viewing until May 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, except Fridays and Saturdays. Art lovers, students, and anyone seeking to understand Balochistan through the eyes of its most celebrated artist are encouraged to visit.
