The Pakistan National Council of the Arts opened In Trinity Together: A Retrospective of Raja Changez Sultan, a major exhibition that gathers more than 100 paintings spanning seven major series and tracing the artist-poet’s six-decade dialogue between painting and poetry. Curated by Noor Fatima, the show presents a panoramic view of Sultan’s themes—Himalayan landscapes, mythic archetypes, and intimate portraits of the human condition—while celebrating his long contribution to Pakistan’s cultural life.
The retrospective was inaugurated at PNCA’s galleries in Islamabad by Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker of the U.S. Embassy, with opening remarks from Asad Rehman Gilani, Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division. The event drew a distinguished audience of diplomats, artists, writers and cultural figures, including Consul General Stetson Sanders of the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar, PNCA Director General M. Ayoub Jamali, PNCA officials Mariam Ahmed and Dr. Bilal Karim, and the artist himself, Raja Changez Sultan.
Curated by Noor Fatima and managed by exhibition manager Sarah Rajper, the show assembles seven of Sultan’s major series: The Himalayan Odyssey, The Three Graces, A Thousand Faces of Eve, The Wood Nymphs, Birds of Paradise, Divided Self, and a previously unexhibited series, Crucifixion of Eve. Together, the works map a sustained exploration of memory, identity and transcendence, moving between vast mountain vistas, mythic figures and intimate human portraits that reflect the artist’s poetic sensibility.
Speakers at the opening emphasized the exhibition’s cultural importance. Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani praised Sultan’s six decades of creative work as “profound meditations on life” and a vital contribution to Pakistan’s cultural legacy, calling the retrospective a milestone that will inspire future generations. Chargé d’Affaires Baker congratulated the artist and PNCA, noting that Sultan’s work has long featured in cultural programs of the U.S. Embassy and that the exhibition underscores art’s role in fostering dialogue and friendship between nations. She also commended PNCA’s ongoing efforts to promote artists and cultural exchange.
Raja Changez Sultan described the retrospective as both a culmination and a continuation of his artistic journey, saying each series reflects his experiences as well as broader human concerns—from the awe of mountains to the grace of human relationships—and expressed gratitude to PNCA for mounting the tribute. The exhibition also carried personal resonance: Sultan once served as Director General of PNCA, making this return to the institution a poignant homecoming.
PNCA has scheduled a special day of programming during the exhibition run to encourage deeper engagement with Sultan’s practice. The program will include an artist talk, a poetry reading by Raja Changez Sultan, and a painting demonstration, each offered at set times during the day. In Trinity Together is on display across PNCA Gallery 1, Gallery 2 and the Grand Hall in Islamabad for a limited run.
