NNPakistan Islamabad , 29th May, Pakistan National Council of the Arts, National Art Gallery, Islamabad hosted the highly anticipated solo exhibition titled: “Intention vs Convention: Fluid Presence” by renowned German artist Dagmar Rauwald May 29th – June 3rd. This remarkable event, which included an immersive workshop, was a vibrant celebration of shared cultural heritage and creative exchange between Pakistan and Germany.
The event was graced by Ambassador Shahid Kamal, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany and a distinguished figure in international diplomacy, who delivered insightful remarks underscoring his deep commitment to fostering cultural and intellectual ties. With a career spanning key diplomatic roles in France, the United States, Sweden, and Germany. Mohammad Ayoub Jamali, Director General of PNCA, along with curator Mariam Ahmed, extended their support and played a key role in bringing together the exhibition.
Central to the event’s success was the visionary curatorship of Farrah Mehmood, an esteemed Pakistani visual artist and educator. Farrah’s dedication to nurturing cultural dialogue and artistic excellence elevated the exhibition, illuminating a path for future collaborations between Pakistan and Germany.
Ms. Dagmar Rauwald, a dynamic artist based in Hamburg, presented a captivating body of work that thrives on emotional expressiveness and conceptual depth. Her paintings, applied to transparent film with bold, sweeping gestures, evoke a tension between fluidity and solidity, lightness and opacity. By embracing transparent foils—either layered or singular—Rauwald immerses viewers in the immediacy of the present, abstracting real-world events influenced by media imagery and socio-political narratives. Her exploration of hybridity and evolving visual codes invites a profound dialogue that bridges Western and Eastern traditions, drawing inspiration from the fluid rhythm of Urdu calligraphy. Through her concept of “fluid presence,” Rauwald’s art creates a multilayered hermeneutic experience, resonating with contemporary discourses on gender, identity, and the autonomy of artistic expression. Her mastery of technique and her commitment to fostering transcultural exchange have earned her national and international recognition.
The event’s success was further supported by Dr. Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, whose message of congratulations reflected his vision for sustained artistic exchanges between Hamburg and Islamabad. His emphasis on the importance of intercultural dialogue—particularly during these complex global times—resonated deeply with the event’s purpose.
In its entirety, this landmark event demonstrated that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a bridge that connects cultures, fosters mutual understanding, and builds a more harmonious world. The collective efforts of Shahid Kamal’s inspiring leadership, Farrah Mehmood’s curatorial brilliance, Mariam Ahmed’s direction and Dagmar Rauwald’s bold artistic expression stand as a testament to the transformative power of creativity, diplomacy, and vision. As this exhibition concludes, it leaves behind not just beautiful works and inspired minds but also a blueprint for future collaborations that will continue to strengthen the cultural, artistic, and educational ties between Pakistan and Germany.
The opening drew a diverse audience from the arts, media, diplomatic community, and development sectors. It was well-attended and warmly received, with visitors appreciating the variety of perspectives and the shared message that photography speaks across languages and backgrounds.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until June 3, 2025, and can be visited during official PNCA gallery hours. PNCA has also announced a painting workshop by Ms. Dagmar to complement this exhibition on 30th May at 11 am. For registration and further details, please email pncavad.nag
