The National Art Gallery in Islamabad is hosting a notable calligraphy exhibition titled The Call of the Divine from January 6 to 8, running daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The calligraphy exhibition brings together the work of Razwan Baig, Shazian Baig and Shanzay Baig, members of a well-known artistic family whose pieces marry traditional scripts with contemporary sensibilities and Pakistani cultural themes.
Chief Guest Mr. Jamal Shah inaugurated the event and praised the artists for their distinctive fusion of classical and modern calligraphic approaches. He commended the works for their spiritual resonance and cultural relevance, and highlighted calligraphy’s central role in Islamic visual heritage as a medium that conveys profound messages.
Razwan Baig is a distinguished scholar, collector and researcher in Islamic art, recognised for contemporary Kufic script works. He trained with master calligraphers from Turkey, Baghdad and Pakistan, and his collection has been shown at major institutions including the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. His pieces on display reflect both scholarly depth and experimental composition within the calligraphy exhibition.
Shazian Baig contributes to the calligraphy exhibition as an Islamic artist and researcher who has learned from eminent masters across Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. Alongside his artistic practice he is pursuing medical studies and works as a researcher for artefacts in the Barlas Collection, bringing rigorous study to his art and curatorial inquiry.
Shanzay Baig explores geometric form, sculpture, marbling and marquetry inspired by historic Islamic monuments, uniting craft and architectural study in her work. As archival catalogue specialist for the Barlas Collection, she brings archival insight and material expertise to the presentation of her pieces at the calligraphy exhibition.
M. Ayoub Jamali, Director General of PNCA, said the gathering invites reflection on the enduring beauty of calligraphy and its capacity to unite tradition with contemporary expression. The event, organised by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and the National Heritage & Culture Division, offers visitors an opportunity to engage with Quranic verses rendered through varied scripts and techniques that celebrate Pakistani artistic heritage.
