Artists Shaan Syed and Nurjahan Akhlaq Discuss Diaspora, Partition, and Artistic Legacies

Artists Shaan Syed and Nurjahan Akhlaq, both linked to the Pakistani diaspora, delve into themes of migration, Partition, and artistic heritage. Syed's exhibition, Les Rapports, is currently on display at Bradley Ertaskiran in Montréal until 9 March, featuring paintings that reinterpret a rubber plant motif from Kunstmuseum Basel. Akhlaq, who resides in Montréal, oversees her late father Zahoor ul Akhlaq's estate and has cultivated a filmmaking approach rooted in collage. Their dialogue uncovers mutual artistic interests, with Syed reflecting on his family's journey from British India to the UK and Canada, while Akhlaq connects with her father's influence. Zahoor, an alumnus of Lahore's National College of Arts and London, shaped contemporary miniaturists. They are set to collaborate on a presentation in London next year, while Zahoor's work is also featured in the exhibition Beyond the Page at The Box in Plymouth until 2 June.