Karachi’s vibrant cultural calendar just gained a luminous new entry. The Keol Art Gallery yesterday unveiled the stunning international exhibition, “Light Upon Light,” a show that transcends typical gallery fare to offer a deeply moving encounter with faith and form.
This is not merely an exhibit; it is a global conversation articulated through the timeless principles of Islamic art. Led by RadiantArts, a pioneering, women-run global initiative, the collection brings together diverse voices to explore the universal resonance of one of the most powerful passages in the Quran: the Verse of Light.
CM, Sindh, observing an art piece.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan
Illumination, Geometry, and Global Heritage
The central task given to the participating artists was to interpret the concept of Noorun Ala Noor (Light Upon Light), the divine brilliance that guides humanity. The result is a breathtaking tapestry where tradition is honored, and innovation shines:
A selection of mesmerizing calligraphy turns sacred text into architectural design, demonstrating how the Arabic script can embody both spiritual depth and visual movement.
Artists have also utilized sacred geometry to craft patterns that viewers recognize as both earthly perfection and cosmic harmony, reflecting the belief that order and beauty are divine manifestations.
Viewers are invited to trace the historical lineage of Islamic design, with several works subtly incorporating and modernizing Fatimid-era motifs, a nod to the architectural and artistic splendor of past Islamic empires.
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A New Chapter for Pakistani Arts
For Karachi, the exhibition is a moment of cultural significance. By hosting this world-class show, the city reinforces its role as a hub for sophisticated global dialogue.
KARACHI (November 18th, 2025): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah views an Islamic spiritual artwork during the inauguration of the “Light Upon Light” exhibition at Keol Art Gallery. The exhibition has been curated by RadiantArts under the patronage of Dawat-e-Hadiya. pic.twitter.com/TKW6fAglUr
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) November 18, 2025
The work of RadiantArts in curating this show highlights a powerful trend: the use of established Islamic artistic practices to address contemporary spiritual and aesthetic questions. It is a compelling reminder that the arts of the Muslim world are neither static nor singular; they are an evolving, living medium of intellectual and spiritual expression.
“Light Upon Light” offers a serene and aesthetically rich space for reflection, a powerful statement that in an era of division, the pursuit of truth and beauty can unite artists and audiences across the globe.
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