As the United States and Pakistan seek to come out of the long shadow of the Afghan war and broaden their previously security-driven bilateral relationship, cultural exchanges appear to be assuming greater importance.
That Pakistan is currently the largest recipient of the US Educational Foundation’s Fulbright Program in the world clearly indicates Washington’s intent to foster a mutually beneficial long-term bilateral relationship. Recent achievements of Pakistani scientists Nergis Mavlavala, an MIT professor of Astrophysics, who was part of the team that discovered gravitational waves, and Samir Iqbal, a professor at the University of Texas, who invented a device to detect cancer at early stages, reflect some of the benefits in the bilateral context.
Pakistani-Americans –who make up a sizable community of highly motivated entrepreneurs, workers and professionals spread across the United States – also appear eager to expand the relationship, and in several states American governors and key government leaders take part in cultural events like Pakistani Independence Day celebrations.
However, such manifestations of cultural diplomacy need to be complemented with people-to-people intercultural dialogue that comes through exchanges in the creative genres of literature and arts.
The highly charged and unusual 2016 US presidential election season has heightened the need to push forward intercultural conversation. The anti-Muslim rhetoric by some presidential candidates like Donald Trump, and some negative mutual perceptions both in the United States and Pakistan, provide strong reasons to advance efforts that build cultural bridges and foster people-to-people understanding.
Photo Credit: Aziz Ahmed
Eye for Art, a New York-based organization, brought one such opportunity to Pakistani-Americans in the Washington metro area, when it showcased a mosaic of works at an exhibition titled “Modern Art of Pakistan.”
The exhibition at the Tysons Corner Sheraton displayed some of the masterpieces created by leading and influential artists including Sadequain, Shakir Ali, Bashir Mirza, and Ismail Gulgee. Some of the the works were also sold.
But the feast of creativity, colors and highly individualistic trends and styles also presented works on rural life, city life and women. Particularly, Pervez Rana’s portrayal of city life with Mughal architecture, balconies, terraces, and peopled streets and a series of works by other artists depicting women in various roles in the society – with a subtle message of empathy for individual rights, love, relationships, contributions and place in society – drew attention of visitors.
A majority of the visitors Views and News talked to said they want to have more of such exhibitions, and in different parts of the United States.
Despite the fact that art and art works run through the length and breadth of Pakistan from its ancient heritage sites to its modern towns and cities– statues of Buddha to Mughal architecture, calligraphy and miniatures to experimentation in abstract expressions – younger generation of Pakistani-Americans get very few opportunities to learn about the thriving art scene in Pakistan.
Ali Haider & Syed Javed Qamer speaking to Views and News – Video by Aziz Ahmed
“I think the new generation of Pakistani-Americans see Pakistan as a distant place – this kind of exhibition brings Pakistan to them,” Syed Javed Qamar, President of Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America (OPEN) said, while making the point about cultural connection and the conversation that must take place in the United States.
Art followers believe that a culturally rich Pakistani-American community, like other communities, can contribute to the great American multicultural fabric as the new generation is conversant with Western trends and if groomed with art from both parts of the world a blending of the new and traditional art forms would infuse novel creativity.
Photo CreditL Aziz Ahmed
Such exhibitions also have tremendous relevance to the broader culture conversation, especially if they are a regular feature. For example, they could be a powerful avenue for discourse since artists speak through universally understood means like colors, cultural metaphors, suggestive imagery and strike the common human chord of creativity – something that Pakistanis and Americans have traditionally shown much liking for.
Ali Haider, President of New York-based Eye for Art, spoke of the powerful connections that arts create and sustain, citing the example of an American diplomat, who was posted in Lahore in the past, and especially came to the exhibition in Tysons Corner to buy some paintings showing fascinating Punjab landscapes.
Culture experts believe while voices espousing extreme views may take center stage at a particular moment as during the Afghan war, the fight against terrorism or the US election season, in the long-term it is the cultural interplay and relationship that would bridge disconnects and further enrich the diverse American society.
Going forward, just as important as holding a cultural event like art exhibition, music concert or screening of a film, would be regular conversations between American and Pakistani artists and cultural figures – both acclaimed and upcoming – as that would help mutual understanding through literature and arts in a more direct way.
