ISLAMABAD, July 6, 2026: A new contemporary art venue, FMR Art Space, has launched its inaugural group exhibition in Islamabad, bringing together emerging, mid-career and established artists from leading art institutions across Pakistan.
Titled “The First Layer: The Beginning of Becoming,” the exhibition opened on Sunday under the curatorship of miniature artist and curator Farrah Mehmood Rana, who has been recognized with the Pride of Performance award. The showcase highlights evolving trends in Pakistan’s contemporary art scene through a diverse range of mediums and artistic practices.
The opening marks the formal launch of FMR Art Space, a new creative platform aimed at supporting artistic dialogue, experimentation and collaboration in the capital.
Exhibition highlights and participating artists
The exhibition features work by artists trained at institutions including the National College of Arts (NCA), Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and COMSATS University Islamabad. In total, around twenty artists are participating, presenting up to fifty artworks across different mediums.
Among the participating artists are Amna Hashmi, Areej Zubair, Dagmer Rauwald, Farida Fatima, Hafsa Iram, Khan Labeeb, Muhammad Junaid, Samreen Asghar, Samreen Rehman, Sidra Ashraf, Shameen Amjad, Dr. Tabassum Shaheen, Ufaq Tabassum, Widyan Tarar, Zarin Gul and Zainab Mudassir.
Organizers said the inclusion of recent graduates alongside mid-career artists reflects an effort to highlight new artistic voices and emerging practices within Pakistan’s contemporary art landscape.
Curatorial vision
Curator Farrah Mehmood Rana said the exhibition represents the early stages of artistic development and creative exploration, describing it as a space where ideas and practices begin to take shape and evolve.
She said the exhibition aims to foster dialogue between artists and audiences while providing visibility to emerging talent.
International presence at opening
The opening reception was attended by guests including Jan Gerald Krausser, Head of Communications, Culture Affairs and Protocol at the German Embassy, and art collector Mrs. Mher Princess. Their presence, according to organizers, reflects growing international interest in Pakistan’s contemporary art sector and the potential for cultural exchange.
Cultural platform in Islamabad
With its debut exhibition, FMR Art Space positions itself as a new addition to Islamabad’s cultural infrastructure, aiming to provide a platform for exhibitions, artistic collaboration and contemporary art development in Pakistan.
Also Read: Another PhD Successfully Completed Under the Supervision of Dr. Umm-e-Kalsoom
Today's E-Paper