LAHORE, Jan 12 — Alliance Française Lahore, in collaboration with The Sadequain Foundation, hosted the launch of Dr. Salman Ahmad’s book L’Étranger — Sadequain alongside an exhibition of lithographic prints at the AF Galerie. The event brought together artists, academics, and cultural figures to explore the intersection of Albert Camus’ existential novel The Stranger and Sadequain’s visual interpretations.
The exhibition presented 30 original lithographs created by Sadequain to illustrate Camus’ text. Curated by visual artist Zuha Tareen, the works highlighted the psychological and philosophical tensions of the novel through stark lines and symbolic forms. Tareen described the series as a layered treatment of the human condition, aligning with Camus’ blunt existential vision.
S. Izmerai Durrani, Executive Producer of The Sadequain Foundation, emphasized the importance of situating Sadequain within a global intellectual context. He noted that the artist’s engagement with existential thought reflected his role not only as a painter but also as a thinker in dialogue with philosophical ideas.
The book launch offered scholarly perspectives on the relationship between text and image, situating Sadequain’s lithographs within both art history and philosophy. Speakers included Awais Khan, Prof. Kanwal Khalid, Durrani, and Director Sarah Tareen, each underscoring the relevance of revisiting Sadequain’s literary illustrations today.
The event reinforced Alliance Française Lahore’s role as a hub for cultural exchange between Pakistan and France, affirming the enduring resonance of both Camus and Sadequain and the capacity of art and literature to sustain dialogue across time and geography.
