Manzar: Exploring Pakistan’s Art, Architecture, and Politics at the National Museum of Qatar
Manzar is a vital exhibition that showcases Pakistan’s rich artistic history and also fosters a broader conversation about identity, migration, and global artistic dialogue.
Manzar: Art and Architecture from Pakistan — 1940s to Today opened its doors at the National Museum of Qatar on 1 November 2024, inviting visitors to engage with over 200 works that span decades of artistic and architectural evolution. Curated by Zarmeene Shah, Caroline Hancock, and Aurélien Lemonier, the exhibition presents a unique exploration of Pakistan’s national identity, shaped through its art and architecture amidst the political and social narratives that have defined the country.
Art and Architecture as Political and Social Catalysts
Pakistan’s modern art and architecture have been deeply influenced by its tumultuous history. The creation of the country in 1947 and the painful Partition marked the beginning of a complex journey for artists and architects alike. Through figures such as Zainul Abidin and Murtaza Bashir, whose works are featured in Manzar, the exhibition explores the political and social aftermath of Partition, capturing the displacement, loss, and search for identity that shaped the nation’s early years. These themes continue to resonate in contemporary works, making art not only a reflection of history but a means to engage with ongoing political and social issues.
Architecture plays a similarly crucial role in the formation of national identity. Islamabad, designed in the 1960s as a modernist capital, embodies Pakistan’s aspirations for progress and its quest for a distinct cultural identity. This contrast of modernity with traditional cultural elements, explored in the works of architects like Kamil Khan Mumtaz, raises important questions about the country’s place within the global discourse of architecture and identity. Manzar highlights these conversations, allowing the audience to witness how architecture, like art, has shaped Pakistan’s political and cultural narratives.
Global Dialogue: Art Beyond Borders
In its exploration of Pakistan’s art, Manzar connects the country’s visual culture to broader global movements. The exhibition’s title, Manzar—meaning “perspective” in Urdu—reflects the curatorial ambition to present multiple viewpoints on Pakistan’s evolving identity. The inclusion of works by contemporary artists like Shazia Sikander and Imran Qureshi expands this global dialogue, positioning Pakistan’s art within international conversations about migration, social justice, and identity.
By focusing on both local and diaspora artists, Manzar also underscores the importance of art as a universal language that transcends borders. Artists such as Sikander and Qureshi, recognised both in Pakistan and abroad, represent the intersection of national identity with global themes, challenging political and cultural boundaries through their work. The exhibition thus reflects how contemporary Pakistani artists are contributing to global conversations, positioning Pakistan as a significant voice in the international art world.
Architecture and Identity in Focus
Manzar also places a unique emphasis on the role of architecture in the creation of national identity. The exhibition showcases how architectural works, alongside art, are vehicles for political expression and societal reflection. Islamabad’s urban planning, for instance, is both a symbol of Pakistan’s post-independence aspirations and a contested space where modernity and tradition coexist. Architects like Habib Fida Ali and Amin Gulgee sought to merge modern design with the country’s cultural heritage, a theme that resonates throughout the exhibition.
Through the inclusion of architectural works alongside art, Manzar invites visitors to explore the dynamic relationship between these two forms of expression and their role in shaping Pakistan’s evolving identity. This intersection of art and architecture serves as a lens through which the country’s political and social histories are understood, revealing the deep connections between the built environment and the collective consciousness of a nation.
Website: https://nmoq.org.qa/en/
Address: Museum Park Street, Doha
Tel: +974 44525555
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
