Meraki Art by Shazia organised a lively mini National Art Exhibition at the Jacaranda Club in DHA Phase II Islamabad, bringing together painters, calligraphers, textile designers and traditional craft artists from across Pakistan. The one-day event featured work from 35 local artists and crafters and welcomed visitors of all ages to view a broad range of visual art and handcrafts.
The exhibition presented a total of 115 paintings by established artists alongside numerous pieces by emerging talent and craft stalls including the Yugo Collection from Skardu, Folds by Haseeb, Artisy Crafts, Mehwish and Sadia’s Resin and Decoupage, Iranian stone jewellery makers, Multani embroidery artisans and sculptor M. Rafi. Live flute music provided a relaxed backdrop as guests circulated through the displays.
Organisers highlighted the contributions of 16 prominent artists whose works anchored the show, among them Altaf Ahmed, Anwar Khan, Ejaz Khan, Faseha Farooq, Mohammad Arif Khan, Nuzhat Burair, Parvaiz Khan, Riffat Khattak, Rizwana Rahool, Saima Aamir, Sadia Atif, Shazia Javaid, Syeda Nadia Raza, Tayyaba Aziz, Tabinda and Sumbal Shah. The exhibition also offered a platform to young artists: eight students of Roomi from the Arts Council exhibited 28 classic paintings in their first public showing.
Highlights drew particular attention, including Abu Turab’s dreamlike depiction of a Pakistani village titled ‘Turab Nagar’, Muhammad Saeed’s landscape series and equestrian scenes of polo horses and riders, and Syed Imtiaz Razvi’s finely detailed origami works. Visitors were also engaged by live painting sessions led by Riffat Khatak and Ejaz Khan, which underscored the interactive mood of the day.
The Meraki Art exhibition aimed to promote artistic expression while strengthening community bonds and supporting emotional well-being through creative practice. Curator Shazia Javaid said the initiative will continue with regular exhibitions and workshops, and will introduce an innovative art café concept where visitors can participate in art activities in place of traditional food menus, further deepening public engagement with local art and craft traditions.
By combining established names, emerging talent and traditional craft practitioners from regions such as Skardu and Multan, Meraki Art reinforced Islamabad’s role as a venue for cultural exchange and helped bring greater visibility to Pakistan’s diverse artistic community.
