Netherlands Envoy Kluit inaugurates “Between Concrete and Coral”, calling attention to the urgent need for environmental reflection
Hajo Provó Kluit lauds the innovative vision of Safwan Bashir and Samra Cheema in portraying ecological challenges
Islamabad – 31 August 2025 (Adnan Hameed) : Gallery 6 hosted the thought-provoking exhibition “Between Concrete and Coral”, inaugurated by Hajo Provó Kluit, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Netherlands. The event was attended by artists, intellectuals, and cultural enthusiasts and media representatives.
The exhibition brought together two award-winning artists, Safwan Bashir (winner of the Arjumand Painting Award 2023) and Samra Cheema (winner in 2019), who presented powerful artworks addressing the environmental crisis.
Safwan Bashir’s works focus on urban expansion, demolition, and ecological neglect, executed on diverse mediums such as canvas, wood veneer, epoxy resin, and onyx. Meanwhile, Samra Cheema highlighted the fragility of coral reefs and drew symbolic parallels with women’s resilience, emphasizing interconnectedness and survival.
In his remarks, Hajo Provó Kluit praised the creativity and depth of the artworks, appreciating the innovative ideas of both artists. Curator Dr. Arjumand Faisel noted that the exhibition is not just an artistic display but also a call for reflection and action to protect both land and marine environments.
The exhibition underscored the urgent need to rethink human actions and their impact on nature, resonating strongly with the audience.
