Samia Saad’s Debut Exhibition Reimagines Women’s Journey Through Attar’s Mystic Lens

In a moving tribute to the mystic poetry of 12th-century Persian poet Fariduddin Attar, emerging artist Samia Saad brought to life the spiritual and emotional journey of women—from childhood to old age—on her canvas. Her maiden art exhibition, hosted at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in collaboration with Katas Raaj Art Gallery, drew artists, poets, critics, and admirers from across Rawalpindi.

A graduate of the National College of the Arts (NCA), Rawalpindi, Samia found inspiration in Attar’s legendary work ‘Mantiq-ut-Tair’ (The Conference of the Birds), especially his portrayal of women. Through vibrant colors and symbolic compositions, Samia’s artworks reflect a mystic vision of femininity, strength, pain, and transcendence.

The exhibition featured more than a dozen paintings, each showcasing a different stage in a woman’s life—some echoing silence, others defying it. The pieces were praised for their depth, composition, and emotional storytelling.

The event was inaugurated by renowned poet and Kamal-e-Funn Award (2023) recipient Iftikhar Arif, who lauded Samia’s passion and potential. “You have a long journey ahead, and I believe you’ll win many laurels,” he remarked.

Also gracing the event was iconic poet Kishwar Naheed, recipient of the Kamal-e-Funn Award (2015), who expressed admiration for Samia’s thematic choice. “It’s powerful that you’re inspired by the mystic portrayal of women in ‘Mantiq-ut-Tair’. I urge you to also reflect on the suffering of women in Gaza and Kashmir through your work,” she said, applauding Samia’s bold use of color and symbolism.

Prominent artists Abbas Shah, Ahmed Habib, and Nauman Farooq also attended, offering thoughtful critique and appreciation of Samia’s emerging style. Ahmed Habib described her work as “the mark of a master in the making,” emphasizing her intuitive grasp of color, theme, and titling.

Celebrated fiction writer Hameed Shahid, who is also Samia’s father-in-law, shared his admiration for her artistic commitment and attention to detail.

In her heartfelt speech, Samia Saad reflected on the essence of her work. “To me, dreams give a girl wings. It is her dream that completes her,” she said. “I want every girl—from those working as maids to those picking trash in the streets—to dream and to be seen. I will keep telling their stories through my paintings.”

Mehboob Zafar conducted the proceedings of the event, where not only art but also emotion, reflection, and purpose were on full display. Samia’s debut was not just an exhibition—it was a conversation about women, dreams, and the mystic layers of identity that unite them.