Zargar - an ode to malmal

June 1, 2024

Zargar - An Ode to Malmal

From June 1st to 7th, 2024, Noorjehan Bilgrami’s Koel Gallery in Karachi hosted an exclusive unveiling of ZARGAR, Pasha’s exquisite hand-embroidered malmal.

THE EXHIBITION

The serene atmosphere, the erudite audience, and illustrious panelists at Koel provided the perfect venue for Zargar’s unveiling. The exhibition showcased Zargar’s journey by chronicling its artistic inspiration and the exquisite and intricate craft of Malmal.

The exhibition artfully illustrated the evolution of Zargar, from the first brushstrokes of S. M. Khayyam’s miniature artworks to the final, meticulously embroidered pieces that graced the gallery walls, showing the evolution of this exquisite craft, from its intricate design vocabulary to the its timeless art and craftsmanship on display in the finished embroidered masterpieces, lovingly revived and reimagined for the modern connoisseur.

THE EVENT

Mrs. Salima Hashmi, whose enduring mentorship has been invaluable to Pasha, graced the event with her golden words of wisdom, offering insights into the creative process behind this extraordinary collection and highlighting the unique collaboration between the artist and the maker, capturing the creative journey and infusing the evening with a sense of cultural richness and artistic vision. Her unwavering support and guidance have been a cornerstone for Studio Pasha.

Mrs. Hashmi was accompanied by Shehnaz Ismail, a trailblazer in textile design and academia, who shared her visionary perspective on blending tradition with innovation, celebrating the artistry inherent in every stitch of Zargar.

Adding a touch of cultural sophistication was Zahra Husain, a luminary in Karachi’s art scene, along with iconic fashion designer Safinaz Muneer among other aesthetes.