As Pakistan celebrates Independence Day on 14th August, we find ourselves reflecting on the vibrant cultural landscape of our beloved country. This year, we are excited to highlight the exceptional work of two of Pakistan’s finest artists, Hamra Abbas and Imran Qureshi, whose talents shine both locally and internationally.
These artists embody the diverse cultural richness of Pakistan—elements that often remain overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Earlier this week, in collaboration with the Parks and Horticulture Authority Lahore (PHA), Asma Chishty and Destinations Media proudly hosted the opening of contemporary artist Hamra Abbas’s solo exhibition, “Water, Plants and Other Ecologies,” at The Barracks Art Museum, Curated by Deutsche Bank’s Artist of the Year, Imran Qureshi, this exhibition, which took place on Monday, 12th August 2024, was a notable event in our art scene and the commissioner of Lahore; Zaid Bin Maqsood graced the event as the chief guest.
The Barracks Art Museum, located in the historic Nasir Bagh in Lahore, has recently undergone a significant transformation under the guidance of DG Muhammad Tahir Wattoo of the PHA. Once a colonial-era military barracks, the venue now serves as a state-of-the-art public gallery, with a working committee of notable artists Rishm Hussein Syed, Imran Ahmed, Imran Qureshi, Hamra Abbas and assistant curator Kanwal Tariq: Its inaugural exhibitions featured Imran Qureshi’s acclaimed “The Garden” and Hamra Abbas’s striking showcase, both of which have already received widespread acclaim.
In supporting this initiative, Asma Chishty and Destinations Media have demonstrated a strong commitment to creative placemaking—using arts and culture to foster genuine public engagement. This approach transforms public spaces like streets, sidewalks, and galleries into environments that are welcoming, inspiring, and emotionally resonant.
By championing artists like Hamra Abbas and Imran Qureshi, they aim to present a richer, more nuanced narrative of Pakistan—a nation rich in talent, history, and artistic expression.
Asma Chishty, Founder and CEO of Destinations Pakistan, has been instrumental in this mission. Her ongoing efforts, including collaborations with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), highlight the restoration of historic structures and the revival of cultural practices such as the 400 year old tradition of qawwal performances in the courtyard of the Wazir Khan Mosque. These projects reflect a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating Pakistan’s heritage.
This Independence Day, let us take a moment to appreciate the artists who shape and reflect our nation’s identity and recognize the cultural richness that defines Pakistan—both at home and on the global stage.