CM Murad Shah inaugurates `Light Upon Light’ exhibition showcasing Islamic spiritual art at Keol Gallery

CM Murad Shah inaugurates `Light Upon Light’ exhibition showcasing Islamic spiritual art at Keol Gallery

KARACHI (Nov 18): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the “Light Upon Light” art exhibition at the Keol Art Gallery, a significant cultural event organised by RadiantArts under the patronage of Dawat-e-Hadiya.
The exhibition, curated by Alifiya Abbas Ali, brings together artists from around the world to explore the spiritual metaphor of divine illumination.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister was received by Kumail Yunus of Dawat-e-Hadiya along with members of the RadiantArts team, who briefed him on the exhibition’s theme, artistic direction, and global participation.
After formally cutting the ribbon to open the exhibition, the Chief Minister toured all 19 display corners, where he viewed the diverse collection of paintings, illuminated works, calligraphy, sacred geometry, textile art, and installations. He expressed appreciation for the artistic depth, saying:
“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. It is truly inspiring to see art that uplifts the soul and enriches cultural understanding.”
Mr Shah 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. This exhibition reflects the shared values of harmony, peace, and enlightenment.”
A Journey into the Qur’anic Metaphor of Light: The exhibition draws inspiration from the Qur’anic Verse of Light (Surah al-Nur, 24:35) - a timeless metaphor that has guided Muslim scholarship, spirituality, and art for centuries. Through sacred design, calligraphy, and symbolic forms, artists interpret the journey from darkness to enlightenment, depicted as Noorun Ala Noor - Light upon Light.
The works also reference Qur’anic passages on divine guidance, including “Allah is the Wali of the believers; He leads them from darkness into light” (2:257), and the verse from Surah Maidah (5:55), historically associated with Moulana Ali (A.S.), considered a mirror of divine illumination.
Across the gallery, pieces draw inspiration from classical Islamic geometry, illuminated manuscripts, and Fatimid architectural motifs such as Cairo’s Jami’ al-Aqmar, demonstrating the enduring relationship between art, spirituality, and divine symbolism.
RadiantArts: RadiantArts - Anwaar al-Funun - is a women-led, non-profit initiative of the Dawoodi Bohra community dedicated to nurturing and promoting artistic expression rooted in Islamic and cultural heritage. Since its establishment in 2017, the platform has held 14 exhibitions across Africa, Sri Lanka, India, and the United States.
This marks the first RadiantArts exhibition in Karachi and represents a significant milestone for the community’s cultural initiatives in Pakistan.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah applauded the platform’s efforts, stating, “Such initiatives strengthen social harmony and provide our youth with meaningful opportunities to connect with their heritage. I look forward to more cultural collaborations that promote creativity, dialogue, and unity.”
The organisers expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his support and for acknowledging the role of the arts in fostering societal cohesion.