KATHMANDU, Dec 6: The Siddhartha Art Gallery came alive on Friday with the spirit of regional unity as it hosted the South Asia Foundation (SAF) Art Exhibition, showcasing the works of contemporary artists from across South Asia. The event brought together artists and thinkers from across the region, showcasing the power of art to connect cultures and spark conversations about a shared future. Featuring works by Bhutan's Choney Pelzang and Dorji Nidup, Pakistan's Saima Abaidullah, and other celebrated artists, the exhibition was a vivid reminder of South Asia's rich artistic traditions.
Beyond the artworks on display, the event featured an engaging talk by renowned Pakistani artist, curator, and educator Professor Salima Hashmi, titled “Mentoring the Future of South Asia: Collaborations for Peace.”
Professor Salima Hashmi, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated artists and educators, has left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art. With over three decades of teaching at Lahore’s National College of Arts (NCA), where she also served as principal, Hashmi is renowned for her innovative teaching methods and her commitment to nurturing young talent. Currently the Dean of the School of Visual Arts and Design at Beaconhouse National University, Hashmi is a cultural icon known for her sharp intellect, wit, and ability to connect deeply with audiences.
Ninth National Art Exhibition in photographs
Her contributions extend beyond academia—Hashmi co-founded the Rohtas-2 Gallery in Lahore, a space dedicated to showcasing the works of emerging artists. As a lifelong advocate for peace and dialogue, she has worked tirelessly to bridge the divide between India and Pakistan, participating in initiatives like the Pakistan Peace Initiative and serving as a vice-chair of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
In her address, Prof Hashmi emphasized the interconnectedness of South Asia’s people and cultures. "We suddenly discover about one another and we recognize a small part of that recognition…. we could go back into history, but go forward into the future and look at what is possible for us,” she said.
Her words underscored the idea that art is a bridge between past and future, offering a space where people from different backgrounds can connect and collaborate.
Speaking directly to the artists in attendance, Prof Hashmi challenged them to think deeply about the purpose of their work, “Every artist should ask themselves, 'Who is this for? Why am I doing this? Does it impact anyone’s life?' At that point, they create an audience for themselves."
Prof Hashmi further explored the evolving role of art in addressing societal challenges, noting its ability to connect people across time and space. "In this new society, as we interact, we are no longer living in the past. Artists today have the unique capability to look ahead, to see things before others notice, and to make others see too,” she said.
She left the audience a powerful reminder that art is not just a reflection of society but a catalyst for change, capable of bridging divides and envisioning a shared future for South Asia.
