ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) is pleased to present ‘A Flight of Two Half Birds’, a thought-provoking traveling solo exhibition by renowned Pakistani-Irish artist Amina Wilayat here.
The exhibition, which highlights the themes of migration, migration and identity, will continue until December 6, 2024. The exhibition was inaugurated with the Chief Guest, renowned visual artist and cultural icon, M Ayub Jamali, Director General PNCA. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished audience including eminent artists, scholars, diplomats and art lovers. Jamal Shah praised Amina’s work, emphasizing its emotional depth and relevance to contemporary global issues.
In his comments, Jamal Shah said, “Amina Wilayat’s work is a testament to the flexibility and creativity of artists who pursue complex personal and cultural narratives. The anxiety of displacement through the timeless medium of miniature painting.” And its ability to convey hope is remarkable. The exhibition not only sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees, but also serves as a bridge to promote compassion and understanding in a divided world.
‘A Flight of Two Half Birds’ is a provocative exploration of the ambivalence faced by the homeless, based on Wilayat’s own experiences as an Oriental Muslim woman and migrant artist. Using Indo-Persian miniature painting techniques, her works incorporate powerful symbols — such as butterflies, boats and tulips — to convey themes of desire, resilience and adaptability.
The title, inspired by the Urdu proverb ‘Adha Tetar, Adha Batir’, reflects the fragmented identities of those who live between two worlds. The exhibition also deals with historical and literary figures, including poets Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Bahadur Shah Zafar, whose works on exile and displacement resonate deeply with themes explored in Wilayat art.
The exhibition has previously been exhibited at major venues in Ireland, including the Garden International in Limerick, Sirius Art Center in Cork, and Dock Art Centre, as part of the 40th EVA International Platform Commission. Before arriving in Islamabad, he received widespread acclaim in Lahore at the Artsch Contemporary.
The event was well attended by representatives of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, faculty members of leading art institutions and prominent personalities from the art community of Pakistan.
PNCA invites art lovers, students and the general public to experience this spectacular exhibition, which serves as a poignant reminder of the shared human quest for identity, connection and compassion.
As part of the exhibition programming, Amna Wilayat will host an artist talk tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11 am at the PNCA Auditorium. This session will give attendees a unique insight into his creative process, thematic inspirations, and symbolism in his art.