Abdul Hadi Mayar
An splendid gathering of artists and art lovers was witnessed as Gallery 21 marked its first anniversary in DHA 2, Islamabad.
Established by Dr. Farrukh Seir, a physician by profession, has remained the venue of impressive art exhibitions and other art events recognizing contribution of senior and budding artists of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Having been drawn to the world of art throughout his life, Dr. Farrukh Seir has carried a deep-seated love for creativity, even if the demands of a medical career limited his time to pursue it actively.
Influenced by the works of artists like Sadequain and Gulgee, he would spend his rare moments of leisure visiting galleries, observing art, and immersing himself in a world he longed to join.
Upon retirement, he saw an opportunity to share his passion with others, establishing Gallery 21 not for profit but to foster artistic appreciation among the public and provide emerging artists a platform often denied to them.
One year ago, Gallery 21 embarked on an extraordinary journey, not just as an art gallery but as a visionary project.
Named after Plaza 21, the gallery’s location, Gallery 21 quickly grew into a cornerstone of the local art scene. Ather Imran, CEO of Sybrid & ICE Animations, designed its distinctive logo, and the gallery opened with a grand inauguration on November 5, 2023, led by Ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Nasir ul Mulk. The opening exhibition featured over 60 artists from across the country, including Ajab Khan, Mahjabeen, Atiqa, Pervaiz Khan, Bandah Ali, Ahmad Habib, Riffat Khattak, Ejaz Khan, alongside emerging talents, contributed to this diverse collection. The launch drew considerable acclaim, affirming the gallery’s role as a supportive and inclusive venue.
The gallery’s momentum continued with the “Colors of Ummi” exhibition on February 17, 2024, inaugurated by Dr. Arjumand Faisel, a celebrated artist and CEO of Gallery 6 in Islamabad. This exhibit celebrated the beauty of landscapes, still-life, and calligraphy with a fresh, contemporary style. Next, on March 17, Gallery 21 held the “Noor” exhibition, a collective display of modern calligraphy led by prominent artists like Shiblee Munir, Rafiq Ullah, and Qasim Bugti. These first three exhibitions set the tone for a year full of innovation, connecting the gallery’s audience with diverse themes and styles in Pakistani art.
In April 2024, Gallery 21 hosted “Memory: A Visual Exploration,” featuring graduates from the National College of Arts, Lahore, like Malikha Riaz and Iman Asif. Ather Imran of Sybrid & ICE Animations again returned to inaugurate this evocative show, in which each artist explored themes of childhood memories and nostalgia. In May, the gallery shifted focus with “Umeed Sher K Baat Suno,” an Urdu poetry-themed exhibition by Arifa Salman. Inaugurated by TV star Leyla Zuberi, this collection fused contemporary calligraphy with Urdu poetry, resonating with visitors on both visual and literary levels
The gallery’s sixth exhibition, “Ephemeral Echoes,” showcased works by graduates of Beaconhouse National University. This exhibition, inaugurated by Khalid Saeed, CEO of R2V, focused on the intersection of art and technology, exploring themes like artificial intelligence, mythology, and self- reflection. Riaz Ali’s reimagined interpretations of Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam,” alongside pieces by Maleeha Bukhari and Jawad Hussain, provided thought-provoking commentary on how technology is reshaping art.
Following this, Gallery 21 hosted “Impression of Nature” in September, showcasing contemporary landscapes by Saira Amjad and inaugurated by Raja Changez Sultan, former Director General of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts. In October, the gallery conducted its first art residency in Kashmir, culminating in the “Allure of Kashmir” exhibition on October 25, 2024. Twenty notable artists participated, including Pride of Performance winners Ghulam Mustafa and Ajab Khan. This residency offered a vivid portrayal of Kashmir’s landscapes through plein air paintings, providing viewers with an intimate look at the region’s serene beauty. Professor Tayyaba Aziz inaugurated this immersive exhibition.
Beyond exhibitions, Gallery 21 has also supported arts education by offering a six-week internship program to students from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi. This internship introduced students to essential gallery practices, giving them hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of an art gallery. In addition, Gallery 21 is planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the university, allowing more students to intern at the gallery in the future. Since this internship is a mandatory part of the degree for final-semester students, the partnership will ensure that they receive valuable, real-world experience in the field of art and gallery management.
This year-long journey was made possible through the tireless efforts of Gallery 21’s dedicated team. Curators Fareeha Usman and Haya Jadoon, alongside gallery manager Khurram Shahzad, Madame Arnish, and supporting staff Bilal and Ahsan, poured their energy and commitment into every exhibition and event, ensuring each one was a success. Their dedication played a critical role in transforming
Gallery 21 from a vision into a thriving reality, allowing it to grow as a respected institution in the art community.
In mere one year, Gallery 21 has not only thrived but has enriched the cultural landscape. As it moves forward, the gallery remains dedicated to its mission of accessibility and support for both emerging and established artists.
