8 October 2024

Islamabad, October 8, 2024 – H.E. Mitsuhiro Wada, Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan inaugurated the “MOKU-HANGA, prints from Pakistan” exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Islamabad on October 8, 2024. Mr. Jamal Shah, President Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA), Islamabad also joined the inaugural ceremony as the host. The Ambassador of Japan in his inaugural speech said that MOKU-HANGA, a traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique, has been a cornerstone of Japanese art for centuries. “This exhibition not only showcases the beauty and elegance of MOKU-HANGA but also serves as a bridge between our cultures, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation”, he added.

Mr. Jamal Shah, President PJCA said during his welcome speech that PJCA proudly presents “MOKU-HANGA, prints from Pakistan, the exhibition showcasing the fusion of traditional Japanese MOKU-HANGA techniques with Pakistani artistic sensibilities. “This exhibition is a testament to the power of art to bridge cultures and foster understanding. MOKU-HANGA, a traditional Japanese art form, has been beautifully showcased in collaboration with our Pakistani artists, creating a unique fusion that reflects the diversity and richness of our shared human experience” he added.

This pioneering project brings together Pakistani artists and Japanese experts to explore the centuries-old MOKU-HANGA printmaking technique, characterized by its use of water-based inks and delicate, subtle results. The exhibition features an impressive collection of prints created by Pakistani artists under the guidance of renowned Japanese MOKU-HANGA master Prof. Dr. Shahida Mansoor. During her remarks she said Moku-Hanga is created on hand made paper and further explained that the warm glow of these prints is due to water based eco-friendly paints and organic materials and humble tools made from natural materials.

The Ambassador and President PJCA gave away the commendation certificate to Prof. Dr. Shahida Mansoor, the Curator of the Exhibition, appreciation certificate to Ms. Hira Nadeem, the Co-Curator and participation certificates to Ms. Hajra Tariq, Ms. Hareem Asghar, Ms. Nida Zainab, Ms. Siddiqa Mujeeb, Ms. Zubeed Shah the graduates of COMSATS and Prof. Tetsuya Noda. Large number of art lovers attended the inaugural ceremony.

The exhibition is made possible through the kind support, cooperation, and collaboration of the Embassy of Japan, Islamabad, Khad’o Khaal Gallery, COMSATS University, National Testing Service-Pakistan (NTS), and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts. The exhibition will travel to Peshawar after its conclusion here in Islamabad and will be organized by the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association KPK. View print media coverage