On October 28, 2025 the Pakistan National Council of the Arts in Islamabad hosted, for the first time in Pakistan, Sadequain’s rare 1964 lithographs inspired by Albert Camus’ novel The Stranger. The arrival of these Sadequain lithographs marks a notable moment for Pakistan’s cultural calendar as the country connects with a pivotal work of European literature through a cherished Pakistani artist.
The launch was inaugurated by His Excellency Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France to Pakistan, with Ms. Iram Rehman, President of Alliance Française d’Islamabad, attending as Guest of Honor. Their presence underscored the cross-cultural significance of exhibiting art that draws from Albert Camus’ themes while reflecting Sadequain’s distinct visual language.
Organized by Gallery 21 in collaboration with the SADEQUAIN Foundation, the exhibition brings together a concise body of work created in 1964 that interprets The Stranger through lithographic prints. The collection illustrates a rare confluence of French literature and Pakistani art, offering visitors a chance to see how global ideas were translated into local artistic practice six decades ago.
The event drew artists, writers, diplomats and cultural enthusiasts who gathered to view the prints and discuss their literary and artistic resonances. Gallery 21 and the SADEQUAIN Foundation emphasised the exhibition’s role in fostering dialogue between creative communities in Paris and Islamabad while highlighting Sadequain’s ongoing relevance.
The launch at PNCA not only celebrates these historic lithographs but also signals a growing interest within Pakistan’s cultural institutions to showcase works that bridge international literature and national art histories. The Sadequain lithographs remain a focal point for conversations about artistic exchange and the enduring power of literature to inspire visual expression.
