Events like Expo provides a platform to present the inside abilities. Such events bring out real skills that can be polished as well. As in the current Dubai Expo, there is a lot of hype about the Pakistan Pavilion Dubai Expo on social media, and for good reason. While the colorful facade of the pavilion has been grabbing everyone’s attention, the exhibition inside is even better, showcasing the country’s rich heritage of art, culture, and traditions curated by a mix of renowned artists, designers, filmmakers, and musicians.
People from around the world have flocked to Dubai to attend the Expo 2020 which opened on October 1 and will last till March 31, 2022, under the theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. It is the biggest event held in the region since the pandemic began. The expo hopes to display architectural marvels and technological innovations, following in the footsteps of historic World Expos that have been held in the last 170 years.
A total of 192 countries have participated in the Expo, including Pakistan, as it is an opportunity to showcase opportunities in tourism, commerce, and investment. Pakistan’s theme at the Expo is ‘The Hidden Treasure’, showcasing “our people, history, culture, places & economic potential” meant to “amaze the world”.
The showcase is an amalgamation of various thematic exhibits, principally curated by artist and designer Noorjehan Bilgrami. “The narrative of the Pakistan Pavilion reflects the poetic way in which the past, present, and future are woven together as a tapestry that reveals the rich and layered history, culture, people, and traditions of this land, while also highlighting the immense potential and possibilities it holds for the future,” Bilgrami said, according to the Expo website.
The Pakistan Pavilion’s official social media handles give viewers a glimpse into Bilgrami’s work at the Expo. The pavilion’s facade has been designed by artist Rashid Rana. The “hypnotic design” is meant to “represent the multifaceted sides of Pakistan, from seasons to culture”.
Architect Shahid Abdulla also worked on the facade and his work was driven by purpose. “We have to change the image by saying the truth about what Pakistan is all about,” he said.
Inside the Pavilion, visitors get to witness an intricate hand-drawn timeline, dating the history of our land all the way back to 7000 BC, up till 1947. The timeline has been created by artist Naveed Sadiq.
Awaiting the visitors is also an installation by artist Affan Baghpati “inspired by the minarets” in sacred spaces. Filmmaker Jami has also contributed to the exhibition. Visitors can explore work by him and his team at Azad Films who have “captured the unique spirit of Pakistan’s sacred spaces at the many mosques, shrines, temples, gurudwaras, and churches found across our country”
Music producer Rohail Hyatt, who helped bring Coke Studio Pakistan to life, created the official soundtrack for Pakistan’s exhibition. “I was tasked with creating a soundtrack that depicted the country’s traditional as well as contemporary sounds,” he said on Instagram. “It was clear that we had not set out to make songs, but instead, wanted to create something rich, with various musical styles of Pakistan. Thus was born the idea of an inclusive and abundant soundtrack, featuring classical, folk, Qawali; showcasing the cultural heritage of our great country.”
Award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, and producer Jawad Sharif and his team “traveled all across Pakistan, from Tharparkar to Gilgit, to film the unique, indigenous craft traditions of Pakistan” for Pakistan Pavilion at the Expo.
