In this fast-changing world, artists are engaging in dialogue through their creative expression. In what appears to be a sort of conversation or communication on the social landscape of the country, four printmakers presented their artworks at an exhibition titled To Look is not to See at the Nomad Art Gallery. “I always have stories in my head,” said Iram Wani, who was inspired by the traditional Islamic art motifs and designs during a recent trip to Spain.

Read More: Four Artists Works Depicting Social Issues on Display at Nomad

Reminiscent of an ancient culture, the fine art of paper cutting has been resurrected by a contemporary Australian artist who showcased his work at the Nomad Centre and Art Gallery on Monday [23 December]. Titled Shadow Art the exhibition of Tusif Ahmed’s work features a total of 19 pieces of Islamic art rendered in the traditional folk art of paper cutting, which evolved around 2,000 years ago in China and then travelled to Central Europe via the Silk Route, notably evolving with strong regional variations in Austria, Poland and Germany.

Read More: Against Hatred: ‘Shadow Art’ Aims to Enlighten Many Hearts

For artiste Faiza Shaikh, the music never stops. Through her prolific collection of paintings, launched at an exhibition in Islamabad on November 26, Shaikh explores the facets of spiritual desire that lend themselves to an enriching existence, invoking music and verse as an inherent analogy for human awareness. Based in London, Shaikh’s work relates to a sincere connection between the canvas and her own positive ethos; her inspiration is lifted from the longing verses of Rumi, and from a curiosity about the role of Sufism in a contemporary context.

Read More: Faiza Shaikh: Painting Music on Canvas

See also: Faiza Shaikh Combines Belief Systems on Canvas to Explore Tolerance

Think about miniature art and the mind conjures up Mughal era images such as horses, elephants, monarchy and thrones. Breaking away from this stereotype, a group of nine recent graduates of Fatima Jinnah Women University showcased their artworks at an exhibition titled Thesis in Miniature at Gallery6 recently. The artists are Ayesha Bilal, Maramla Umair, Ridae Fatima, Rubab Zahra, Saima Farooq, Sidra Ashraf, Sofia Younas, Sumaiya Noor and Zahra Bangash.

Read More: To Each Her Own: Eclectic Work of Nine Art Graduates on Display at Gallery6

Whatever your political leaning, miniature artist Hadia Moiz’s work will have you pause and reflect and perhaps even laugh with self-deprecating ambivalence. Irreverent and satirical, her latest exhibition Lotta Republic opened at Khaas Art Gallery on Tuesday [29 October, 2013]. The tongue-in-cheek paintings mock the incompetence of Pakistan’s political system, which the artist said has affected social and moral values of many like her. “We are surrounded by self-centered, power-hungry fiends who will go to any extent to self-indulge while depriving the common man of basic necessities,” she said.

Read More: Miniature Exhibition: Country’s Predicaments Depicted with a Tinge of Humour

There are layers to creative expression that transcend physical boundaries, bridging contact between the divine and the mortal. Art is then, a visual mantra. This is the essence of an exhibition of paintings and calligraphy works that opened at AP Gallerie on Friday [November 1, 2013]. Titled Khabar-e-Tahayyur, the showcase features masterpieces by celebrated artists and calligraphers Ustad Allah Bux, Sadequain, Zawar Hussain and Ustad Khursheed Gohar Qalam.

Read More: Cosmic Connection: Where the Worlds of Art and Spirituality Intersect

A glance at Komail Aijazuddin’s work and one is overpowered by the contrast of red, gold and black and the intricacies within. The visual artist displayed a collection of his no-holds-barred paintings, “Red and Gold” at the newly-renovated Khaas Art Gallery on Tuesday, 17 September 2013. Aijazuddin’s work is as risqué as it is experimental. The series is nuanced with symbols, cultures and iconographies where the artist has explored divine connections, theocratic morality, human frailty, longing amidst abundance and judgment, among other themes.

Read More: On an Inspired, Spirited Spree

Whenever I visited Eye for Art Gallery, Karachi I observed the presence of Master artist’s artworks displayed on the walls of the gallery. After a few visits during past few years I realise that this gallery particularly promotes and deals with Masters Collection. So at anytime you wish to experience and get impressed by the artworks of the most celebrated artists of Pakistan visit the gallery. Hence the gallery provides an opportunity to art enthusiasts to view master pieces of some of the most renowned artists of our country. A recent exhibition at the gallery, a group show of three Masters of Art in Pakistan – Sadequian, Guljee and Jamil Naqsh was a treat for art lovers.

Read More: A Treat for Art Lovers