Karachi exhibition highlights Sindh’s cultural heritage through art

KARACHI: An art exhibition titled Colours of Sindh has opened at Karachi’s Sambara Art Gallery, bringing together artists from across the province in a showcase organised by the Sindh Culture and Tourism Department.

The exhibition features more than 70 works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and mixed-media pieces. The collection presents different dimensions of Sindh’s cultural identity, ranging from traditions and rural life to historical sites and changing artistic expression.

Ms Sadia Javed, MPA and Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Sindh, inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest. Speaking at the event, she praised the participating artists and said art plays an important role in preserving and promoting the province’s heritage.

"Art is an important medium through which societies document their history, values and traditions"

She added that platforms such as Colours of Sindh help build cultural awareness while also encouraging emerging artists.

Works reflect village life, heritage and Sufi traditions

Visitors to the gallery viewed a wide range of works depicting the colours and landscapes of Sindh. Several pieces focused on village life, traditional Sindhi dress and local customs, while others explored the province’s natural scenery, architectural legacy and Sufi traditions.

Participating artists said visual art is not only a form of personal expression but also a way to protect cultural identity. They said exhibitions of this kind allow artists to connect with the public and present the stories of their communities through creative work.

The event also attracted students, art enthusiasts and other members of the public, many of whom discussed the themes and techniques used in the displayed works. Visitors described the exhibition as a meaningful effort to promote cultural dialogue and showcase the creative strength of Sindh’s artistic community.

Platform for artists from across Sindh

The aim of Colours of Sindh is to offer a shared platform to artists from different parts of the province and celebrate Sindh’s cultural diversity through both contemporary and traditional art forms. The exhibition presents a visual journey through the province’s history, traditions and everyday life, underscoring the continuing link between heritage and modern expression.

The Sindh government’s Culture Department established Sambara Art Gallery at the Liaquat Memorial Library premises in Karachi. The department has also organised Art Fest Karachi, curated by Waheeda Baloch.

Sambara was recalled in many ways through a gallery space filled with paintings, sculptures, installations, drawings, miniatures, video projections and mixed-media works. Political, social and religious organisations in Sindh, along with the Sindh Culture Department and administrations of schools, colleges and universities, regularly hold seminars, debates, folk music events, drama and theatre performances, tableaus and literary gatherings that highlight the province’s history and heritage.

The exhibition reflects Sindh’s culture as a legacy linked to the Indus Valley Civilization, described as one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Historians and leaders, including Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, have repeatedly stressed its significance, saying values such as tolerance, hospitality and unity continue to shape identity in the province. From the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai to customs passed down through generations, Sindh’s culture preserves history and reinforces a shared future.