Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah officially opened the prestigious 'Light Upon Light' international art exhibition at Karachi's Keol Art Gallery, marking a significant cultural moment for the city. The event was organized by RadiantArts with support from Dawat-e-Hadiya, bringing together artists from across the globe to explore spiritual themes through visual art.
A Spiritual Celebration of Art
Upon his arrival at the gallery, the Chief Minister was warmly received by Kumail Yunus of Dawat-e-Hadiya along with members of the RadiantArts team. They provided him with a comprehensive briefing about the exhibition's central theme, artistic direction, and the impressive international participation that characterized the event.
After performing the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, CM Shah embarked on a detailed tour of all 19 display corners within the gallery. He examined diverse artistic expressions including paintings, illuminated manuscripts, calligraphy, sacred geometry, textile art, and contemporary installations.
Inspired by Qur'anic Verses
The exhibition draws its primary inspiration from the Qur'anic Verse of Light (Surah al-Nur, 24:35), a profound metaphor that has influenced Muslim scholarship, spirituality, and artistic expression for centuries. Through sacred design and symbolic forms, the participating artists interpret the spiritual journey from darkness to enlightenment, beautifully depicted as Noorun Ala Noor or Light upon Light.
Additional Qur'anic passages informing the artwork include the verse "Allah is the Wali of the believers; He leads them from darkness into light" (2:257) and relevant verses from Surah Maidah (5:55) historically associated with Moulana Ali (A.S.). The exhibition features pieces inspired by classical Islamic geometry, illuminated manuscripts, and Fatimid architectural motifs visible in structures like Cairo's Jami' al-Aqmar.
Official Appreciation and Cultural Significance
Chief Minister Shah expressed genuine admiration for the artistic depth displayed throughout the exhibition. He stated: "This exhibition is a remarkable blend of creativity and spirituality. The artists have beautifully expressed the concept of light as a symbol of divine guidance." He further emphasized how inspiring it was to encounter art that uplifts the soul while enriching cultural understanding.
The Chief Minister added: "Sindh has always embraced diversity, culture, and intellectual expression. I commend RadiantArts and the Dawoodi Bohra community for bringing such meaningful artistic work to Karachi." He noted that the exhibition effectively reflects shared values of harmony, peace, and enlightenment.
Radiant Arts - Anwaar al-Funun represents a women-led, non-profit initiative of the Dawoodi Bohra community dedicated to nurturing artistic expression rooted in Islamic and cultural heritage. Since its establishment in 2017, the platform has organized 14 exhibitions across multiple countries including Africa, Sri Lanka, India, and the United States.
The exhibition was curated by Alifiya Abbas Ali, who successfully brought together diverse artistic interpretations of spiritual illumination, creating a cohesive and thought-provoking experience for visitors. The event underscores Karachi's growing significance as a center for culturally significant artistic expressions that bridge traditional spirituality with contemporary art forms.
