Saturday, November 9, 2024 Qatar Museums has unveiled a pioneering exhibition, MANZAR: Art and Architecture from Pakistan 1940s to Today , a celebration of the multifaceted and vibrant creative output that has shaped Pakistan’s cultural narrative over the last eight decades. This exhibition, a first of its kind, offers an in-depth look into the artistic and architectural journeys of Pakistani creators from the 1940s through to the present day. On view at the National Museum of Qatar from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, MANZAR presents over 200 works of art, photographs, sculptures, and architectural pieces, immersing visitors in the rich, evolving landscape of Pakistan’s artistic heritage.
The exhibition takes its name from the Urdu word manzar , meaning “scene,” “view,” or “perspective,” which encapsulates the dynamic art scenes of Pakistan and its diasporas. The term reflects the diverse artistic visions and landscapes that have been shaped by decades of social and political change. Renowned architect Raza Ali Dada designed the exhibition, providing a physical and conceptual framework that mirrors the changing cultural landscapes of Pakistan itself.
With pieces from public and private collections spanning Pakistan, Dubai, London, and New York, MANZAR highlights how Pakistani artists have reinterpreted and engaged with modernist movements, offering fresh insights into the nation’s contemporary art scene. The exhibition spans twelve thematic sections,.