On 15th December, 2021 Zahoor ul Akhlaq Gallery, NCA hosted a unique exhibition of print portfolios connecting four international educational institutions together for the first time, in a collaborative venture. The show consisted of print-based works from students and faculty of The Slade School of Fine Art, London and National College of Arts Lahore, who responded to each other’s work across borders. This project has been part of the Paul Mellon Research Centre’s ‘London, Asia Art Worlds initiative’, led by Prof. Ming Tiampo from Carleton University along with Hammad Nasar and Sarah Turner from Paul Mellon Centre London. The project also included essay contributions by students of Global Art Histories, Carleton University, Canada on the shared histories and linkages between Asia and the UK referencing the diverse pairings and themes of the Print Pals portfolio.

The show began with the address of Vice Chancellor NCA Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri, Pro-Vice Provost Dr. Monica Lakhanpaul of UCL and Dean Pauline Rankin of Carleton University, Canada. The VC Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri, appreciated the project and works of the participating artists and admired the efforts of the Printmaking department’s faculty and students for organizing and participating in such an interactive and interesting event at NCA. Dr. Lakhanpaul and Dean Rankin also congratulated the participants with their encouraging words and also discussed the importance of these collaborations between international institutions especially in contemporary times. The opening event witnessed a great turn out of guests, who were warmly welcomed at the Zahoor ul Akhlaq Gallery, NCA.

The exhibition will continue till 21st December, 2021.