Three artists have opened an art exhibition titled ‘Saqi Nama’ at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad. The show, which opened on Tuesday, features artistic interpretations of the celebrated poem by Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The exhibition was organized to commemorate the 149th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. It aims to celebrate his poetic vision and philosophical legacy through various forms of artistic expression and will remain open to the public until November 18.
The participating artists—Geytee Ara, Lubna Jehangir, and Zarar Haider Babry—were university fellows who have reunited after pursuing separate professional careers and paths over several decades. They joined together to explore Iqbal’s poetry using their individual artistic perspectives, experiences, and creative approaches.
Each piece in the exhibition is inspired by a single couplet from Iqbal’s ‘Saqi Nama’. The artists provided independent visual interpretations of their selected verses using different mediums, colors, forms, and techniques.
Iqbal’s ‘Saqi Nama’ is one of the most celebrated works in Persian and Urdu literary traditions. It uses the imagery of a cupbearer, wine, and a cup to convey philosophical messages regarding self-awakening, personal growth, struggle, and the courage to transform oneself. Its universal themes encourage individuals to move beyond complacency and pursue their potential through continuous effort and renewal.
The artists approached the poem with reverence, reflecting on its philosophical depth and earlier artistic interpretations. Their works explore dimensions of human experience, identity, memory, aspiration, and transformation.
Geytee Ara’s work explores the relationship between material, memory, and selfhood, using surface and texture to connect inherited ideas with contemporary experiences. Her work reflects on renewal and the courage to embrace change.
Lubna Jehangir focuses on rhythm, movement, and illumination. She uses color as a medium of expression and inquiry to explore the inner landscapes of the poem while maintaining a sense of mystery.
Zarar Haider Babry explores themes of ascent, struggle, and transformation through line, color, and gesture. He drew inspiration from Iqbal’s poetry to create visual expressions of energy, aspiration, and the evolving self.
The exhibition also reflects the artists’ personal journeys of introspection. Their engagement with the poem prompted questions about identity, life experiences, personal growth, and the continuing process of self-discovery. The three artists invite visitors to engage with Iqbal’s message and reflect on their own journeys.
