The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and Nomad Gallery have launched a thought-provoking exhibition, “From Surreal to the Real – A Spiritual Travelogue,” curated by acclaimed artist and advocate Nageen Hyat. The showcase, unveiled at Islamabad’s National Art Gallery, offers a modern artistic exploration of the iconic Punjabi epic Saif-ul-Malook, delving into its spiritual and metaphysical themes through a contemporary lens.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi, marking a moment of cultural exchange and highlighting the importance of dialogue between nations through the arts.
Drawing on the profound symbolism of Saif-ul-Malook, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the soul’s journey from material existence to divine connection. While the story is popularly known as a romantic legend about Prince Saif-ul-Malook and the fairy Badi-ul-Jamal, featured artworks uncover its deeper Sufi messages surrounding the pursuit of unity with the infinite.
Curator Nageen Hyat described the show as an exploration of universal love and spiritual transformation, emphasizing the evolution of the self and society in the search for truth beyond the tangible world.
Works by artists Mehmood ul Hassan, Farrukh Shahab, Syed A. Irfan, Naila Hussain, Dr. Samina Zaheer, and Faisal Kuhzad feature a variety of mediums, each presenting personal interpretations of transcendence, inner awakening, longing for the divine, and spiritual identity.
By connecting the themes of Saif-ul-Malook to Pakistan’s own narrative of self-discovery and unity, the exhibition aims to inspire reflection and a deeper sense of national consciousness. The collection is open to the public and welcomes viewers to embark on this spiritual travelogue.
