Islamabad: The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) Pakistan, in partnership with the Government of Gilgit Baltistan, Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology & Museums Department, and as well as local artists, arranged an art and advocacy exhibition titled “Sculpted Whispers: Echoes of a Melting World”, as part of broader GB Winter Sports Festival, from 21 – 26 January. This was a public exhibition, held by the riverside in Shishkat, Gulmit Gojal, in Hunza district, engaging people from all walks of life including community members, policy makers, social activists, students and tourists.
“Sculpted Whispers” aimed to draw attention towards the urgent issue of melting glaciers, the need for climate action, and to foster a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges faced by the region. The exhibition themes included global warming, endangered species, the importance of trees, the role of individuals in society and protection of Mother Earth.
A team of five artists which included three men and two women, crafted eye-catching sculptures and calligraphy from ice, sand, river sediments and frozen stream, to illustrate the impact of human actions on Climate Change. AKAH’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers remained engaged in mobilizing community and increasing awareness and ensuring the personal safety of visitors at the event. Each sculpture went beyond artistic creativity, embodying the frozen wonders of our Earth, serving as poignant reminders of disappearing beauty due to global warming. Delegates including Secretary Finance-Gilgit Baltistan, Assistant Commissioner and District Commissioner for Hunza region also visited the art exhibition and appreciated the unique idea for raising awareness on such an important global issue.
During the exhibition, the AKAH Pakistan team also took part in a panel discussion organized by the Government of Gilgit Baltistan on January 24 at Khalti Lake, where they shared a global perspective on climate change and its triggering causes, as well as its effects on Gilgit-Baltistan and northern glaciers.
In a video message, Onno Ruhl, General Manager of AKAH, stated that “The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat is committed to working with frontline communities in high mountain areas like Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, Pakistan, impacted by climate change.” The purpose of AKAH is to assist communities live satisfying lives in the face of rising challenges by combining local wisdom with scientific answers.
Nusrat Nasab, Chief Executive Officer of AKAH Pakistan, stated during the press conference marking the start of the art show, “We are committed to addressing the profound impacts of unprecedented climate change on vulnerable communities.” Sculpted Whispers is an innovative exhibition that depicts the beauty of ice, sand, and stone art in a visually striking manner while highlighting the impending realities of climate change, encouraging the audience to reflect on our planet’s fragility and inspiring action toward sustainable solutions. As we experience evident environmental alterations, AKAH confirms its unshakable commitment to addressing climate-related challenges and vulnerabilities, as well as fostering community resilience in the face of hardship.”
Nusrat Nasab, Chief Executive Officer of AKAH Pakistan, stated at the press conference at the start of the art exhibition, “We are committed to addressing the profound impacts of unprecedented climate change on vulnerable communities.” Sculpted Whispers is a unique exhibition that showcases the beauty of ice, sand, and stone art while also highlighting the impending realities of climate change, encouraging the audience to consider the fragility of our planet and inspiring action toward sustainable solutions. As we see evident environmental alterations, AKAH confirms its unshakable commitment to addressing climate-related challenges and vulnerabilities, as well as building community resilience in the face of hardship.”
