Cultural Diplomacy on Canvas: German Artist Showcases Transcultural Art in Islamabad
News Desk
Islamabad: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) inaugurated a captivating solo exhibition titled “Intention vs Convention: Fluid Presence” by renowned German artist Dagmar Rauwald on Thursday.
Running until June 3, the exhibition stands as a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange and artistic diplomacy between Pakistan and Germany.
The opening ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, Shahid Kamal, who underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral relations. With a distinguished diplomatic career in France, the United States, Sweden, and Germany, Ambassador Kamal emphasized the shared artistic values that connect nations beyond politics.
PNCA Director General Mohammad Ayoub Jamali and curator Mariam Ahmed were instrumental in organizing the event, while Pakistani visual artist and educator Farrah Mehmood served as the curatorial lead, contributing significantly to the exhibition’s creative and collaborative framework.
Hamburg-based artist Dagmar Rauwald is widely known for her conceptual and emotionally expressive artworks. The exhibition features a compelling collection of paintings rendered on transparent film, a medium through which Rauwald explores the tensions between light and opacity, permanence and transience.
Her bold brushwork and layered compositions are influenced by socio-political themes, media imagery, and the fluid, lyrical forms of Urdu calligraphy.
Rauwald’s approach—what she describes as a “fluid presence”—invites viewers into an immersive experience that bridges Eastern and Western aesthetics, challenging conventional perspectives on hybridity, identity, and gender. Her work has garnered critical acclaim internationally for its transcultural depth and originality.
A congratulatory message from Dr. Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, lauded the exhibition as a beacon of artistic diplomacy. Dr. Brosda expressed hope for continued cultural exchange between Hamburg and Islamabad.
The exhibition drew a diverse and appreciative audience, including members of the diplomatic corps, arts community, media, and development sectors. Visitors praised the exhibition’s thought-provoking themes, innovative presentation, and universal message that art transcends borders and language.
As part of the exhibition’s public engagement, a painting workshop led by Dagmar Rauwald is scheduled for May 30 at 11:00 AM. Interested participants can register via email at pncavad.nag@gmail.com.
“Intention vs Convention: Fluid Presence” not only enriches Pakistan’s cultural landscape but also sets a promising precedent for future collaborations in the arts between Pakistan and Germany.
