The Imperfect Canvas Exhibition Inaugurated at COMSATS University Islamabad
Islamabad – 30 April 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : Dr. Robina Awan, Focal Person for the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, inaugurated an art exhibition titled “The Imperfect Canvas” at the Islamabad Campus of COMSATS University Islamabad on Thursday. Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, Rector COMSATS University Islamabad, along with senior university officials, warmly received the Chief Guest.
The exhibition presents a compelling exploration of the tension between the human spirit and the pressures of contemporary existence, reframing life’s struggles not as flaws but as catalysts for growth and transformation.
Curated by Farrah Mahmood Rana, the exhibition brings together 35 diverse artistic voices from across Pakistan.
Speaking about the concept, the curator explained that the collection highlights the duality of imperfection. She noted that the exhibition encourages viewers to move beyond perceived failure and instead recognize the intricate beauty within moments of fracture, says press note. By focusing on the process of struggle rather than eventual triumph, the exhibition seeks to cultivate a space for empathy and reflection.
The display features a wide range of media, including textural sculptures, evocative photography, and layered paintings. These works capture both physical and metaphorical tensions—depicting narratives of endurance, emotional upheaval, and transformation through powerful visual language.
The exhibition is notable for its geographic and academic diversity, featuring artists from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Bahawalpur.
Participating artists are affiliated with leading institutions including COMSATS University Islamabad, National College of Arts (NCA), Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi Women University, Institute of Art and Design, University of Sindh, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, University of Karachi, University of the Punjab, and Cadet College Chakwal.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar highlighted the importance of promoting art and culture in society. He noted that the CUI Art Gallery has been revitalized to serve as a platform for emerging artists. He further stated that artistic expression fosters tolerance and creativity, adding that Pakistan’s rich civilizational heritage—from the Indus Valley to traditional crafts such as Ajrak and blue pottery—reflects a longstanding legacy of artistic excellence. He also appreciated the contributions of the participating artists.
Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Dr. Robina Awan remarked that the theme of the exhibition encourages a rethinking of conventional notions of art, success, beauty, and identity. She emphasized that the present government recognizes the transformative power of art and culture, and is committed to supporting artists, strengthening cultural platforms, and enabling young people to express themselves constructively, thereby projecting a vibrant and creative image of the nation.
The participating artists included Afshan Naz, Amna Hashmi, Baroosh Ahsan, Bina Ali.Eman Ijaz, Farida Fatima, Farrah Mahmood Rana, Fida Muhammad, Geytee Ara, Hafiza Miyal Khan, Hafsa Iram, Hajra Javeed, Hifza Bibi, Humna Adnan, Kainat Mazhar, Kanwal Zafar, Mehrbano Khattak, Mohsin Rasheed, Muhammad Junaid, Numaira Butt, Rabail, Raheela, Sadaf Hammad, Sadia Altaf Khan, Saima S. (Aimon), Samreen Asghar, Shireen Gheba Najib, Sadia Ashraf, Sohaina Elia, Surriya Choudhary, Tahmeena Javaid, Ufaq Ehsan, Uzma Zeshan, Wajid Ali Daharkiwala, and Zarin Gul.
More than 80 artworks are on display, and the exhibition will remain open to visitors until 22 May 2026.
The PM’s focal person also held an interactive session with students of CUI, where students suggested innovative solutions to various challenges of the youth.
