Meraki Art by Shazia staged a vibrant mini national art exhibition at the Jacaranda Club in DHA Phase II, Islamabad, bringing together painters, calligraphers, textile designers and traditional craft artists from across Pakistan. The one-day event featured the work of 35 local artists and crafters, including the Yugo Collection from Skardu, Folds by Haseeb, Artisy Crafts, Mehwish and Sadia’s Resin and Decoupage, Iranian stone jewellery makers, Multani embroidery artisans and sculptor M. Rafi.
The exhibition put a spotlight on 16 prominent artists whose work drew steady attention from visitors. Among them were Altaf Ahmed, Anwar Khan, Ejaz Khan, Faseha Farooq, Mohammad Arif Khan, Nuzhat Burair, Parvaiz Khan, Riffat Khattak, Rizwana Rahool, Saima Aamir, Sadia Atif, Shazia Javaid, Syeda Nadia Raza, Tayyaba Aziz, Tabinda and Sumbal Shah, each contributing distinct voices to the national showcase.
Adding a fresh dimension, eight students of Roomi from the Arts Council presented 28 classic paintings as their first public exhibition, giving new talent a platform alongside established practitioners. The mix of emerging and seasoned artists underlined Meraki Art’s emphasis on nurturing creative growth within the local arts community.
In total Meraki Art displayed 115 paintings by established artists alongside numerous works from newer entrants and a wide range of craft items. A large and diverse crowd attended, with visitors of all ages stopping to admire the artwork while live flute music created a relaxed, engaging atmosphere throughout the day.
Highlights included Abu Turab’s dreamlike depiction of rural life titled “Turab Nagar,” Muhammad Saeed’s landscape series and paintings of polo horses and riders, and Syed Imtiaz Razvi’s intricate origami creations. Live painting sessions by Riffat Khattak and Ejaz Khan captured attention on the floor, offering visitors a chance to watch artistic techniques unfold in real time.
Organisers said the exhibition aimed not only to promote artistic expression but also to strengthen community engagement and support emotional wellbeing through creativity. Curator Shazia Javaid said Meraki Art will continue to support local artists with regular exhibitions and workshops and plans to introduce an innovative art café concept where visitors can engage with art as part of the experience rather than a traditional food menu.
