The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad hosted a powerful tribute to one of the nation’s foremost ceramicists with the inauguration of “Aatish” (meaning “fire”), a solo exhibition by renowned artist Nabahat Lotia. Officially opened on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the show highlights the transformative journey of a career spanning three decades.
The exhibition, housed at Gallery No. 3 of the National Art Gallery, is a meditative exploration of the relationship between clay, fire, and nature. Lotia describes nature as the guiding force behind her creative evolution, and the final works in “Aatish” are described as proofs of the extraordinary transformations catalyzed by intense heat. The pieces embody universal themes of endurance, change, and renewal.
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Cultural Preservation and Global Reach
Nabahat Lotia is distinguished not only as a contemporary artist but also as a dedicated cultural preservationist. With 18 solo exhibitions to her credit, she has worked extensively with traditional potters across Pakistan, documenting and evolving local pottery practices to keep them relevant. Her recent book, “Pottery Traditions of Pakistan,” chronicles this lifelong commitment to the nation’s rich heritage.
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Mariam Ahmed, Director of the Visual Arts Division at PNCA and the exhibition’s curator, lauded Lotia’s work as a testament to her profound dedication and connection to nature.
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Interactive Workshop
To complement the exhibition, PNCA is hosting a three-day Ceramic Workshop led by Lotia from November 12-14, 2025. This provides participants with a rare, hands-on opportunity to learn ceramic techniques, including the crucial process of kiln firing.
“Aatish” is open to the public until November 20th and offers a profound cultural moment for visitors to witness the enduring legacy of Pakistani pottery and the transformative power of art.
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