The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) opened In Trinity Together: A Retrospective of Raja Changez Sultan, a major exhibition that assembles over 100 paintings spanning the artist-poet’s six-decade career. Curated by Noor Fatima with Sarah Rajper as exhibition manager, the show highlights seven major series and reunited Sultan with the cultural institution he once led, drawing diplomats, arts officials, writers, and cultural figures to the opening.
The retrospective presents seven distinct series that trace Sultan’s artistic and poetic dialogues: The Himalayan Odyssey, The Three Graces, A Thousand Faces of Eve, The Wood Nymphs, Birds of Paradise, Divided Self, and a never-before-exhibited series, Crucifixion of Eve. Together the works move between vast mountain landscapes, mythic archetypes and intimate human portraits, exploring themes of memory, identity and transcendence across more than a hundred paintings.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior cultural and diplomatic figures, including the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, the Consul General of the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, the Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, PNCA leadership and representatives, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, artists and writers. Speakers at the event included the Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, the PNCA Director General and directors from PNCA’s visual arts and publications divisions.
Speakers praised Sultan’s lifelong contribution to the arts. The Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division described Sultan’s work as “profound meditations on life” and a vital contribution to Pakistan’s cultural legacy, commending PNCA for presenting a milestone exhibition that will inspire future generations. Sultan himself said the retrospective is both a culmination and a continuation of his artistic journey: “Each series represents not just my experiences but the larger human condition — from the awe of the mountains to the grace of human relationships. I am deeply grateful to PNCA for honouring my work and for bringing it before audiences in this way.”
The Chargé d’Affaires representing the U.S. Embassy praised the exhibition and noted that Sultan’s work has long been part of the cultural spaces of the embassy, underscoring the role of art in fostering dialogue and friendship between nations. She commended PNCA’s continued support for artists and cultural exchange and extended congratulations to the artist, the curator and the PNCA team on the successful opening.
The exhibition also marks a poignant homecoming for Sultan, who previously served as Director General of PNCA. PNCA will host a special day of programming during the run of the show, offering visitors opportunities to engage directly with the artist through an artist talk, a poetry reading by Raja Changez Sultan, and a painting demonstration. In Trinity Together is on view across PNCA Gallery 1, Gallery 2 and the Grand Hall for the duration of the exhibition’s scheduled run.
