The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and Nomad Gallery on Wednesday jointly organized an exhibition and screening of the documentary titled ‘Rekindling: The Kalash Narrative’ to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Kalash community, one of Pakistan’s most distinctive indigenous communities.
Former Climate Change Minister and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman inaugurated the exhibition while Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik was among the noted guests who graced the occasion.
They commended the efforts of the curator Nageen Hyat for focusing on the rich traditions and contemporary challenges of the Kalash people of Chitral.
The exhibition showcases powerful works by six accomplished artists who have interpreted various aspects of Kalash life, heritage, and landscape through different media and perspectives.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Sherry Rehman said, “I am honoured to inaugurate ‘Rekindling: The Kalash Narrative,’ an exhibition that represents the vital work of cultural preservation and indigenous storytelling.”
The Kalash community, she said, was a living treasure of Pakistan’s diverse heritage and initiatives like this help ensure their traditions and knowledge systems are documented and celebrated.
Nageen Hyat and Nomad Gallery have long championed Pakistan’s cultural narratives, and this collaboration with PNCA highlights the importance of institutional support for such endeavors, said Sherry Rehman adding as we face increasing environmental and social challenges across our northern regions, artistic documentation becomes not just aesthetically valuable but historically essential.
The event featured two main components: Documentary Screening: “Rediscovering Greater Chitral”, this documentary, produced by Nageen Hyat for PTV Global, provides intimate insights into the Kalash community, their traditions, and the changing dynamics of their cultural landscape.
The exhibition will feature works by renowned artists, including Akram Dost Baloch, a senior artist from Balochistan, presenting powerful images reflecting social struggles and resilience. M.A. Bhatti: Master of portraiture and impressionistic art addressing cultural themes. Ahmed Habib: Artist and writer focusing on the transformative potential of education for Kalash women. Riffat Khattak: Watercolorist capturing the vibrant landscape and traditions of the Kalash Valley. Samreen Asif: Contemporary miniature artist exploring Kalash women’s narratives and cultural heritage. Ejaz Khan: Artist-engineer showcasing stone carvings inspired by Kalash deities and architecture
The exhibition is particularly meaningful as Nomad Gallery celebrates over 40 years of promoting contemporary art, film, and crafts development for the economic empowerment of women and communities across Pakistan.
“Our aim is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Kalash Valley, its beauty, and introduce its significance to a wider audience,” explained Nageen Hyat, founder of Nomad Gallery and curator of the exhibition.
The exhibition will remain open until April 30, 2025.
