Islamabad: As part of the larger GB Winter Sports Festival, from January 21 to 26, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) Pakistan organized an art and advocacy exhibition titled “Sculpted Whispers: Echoes of a Melting World,” in collaboration with the Gilgit Baltistan government’s Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology & Museums Department, and local artists. Public participants in the exhibition included representatives of the local community, decision-makers in government, social activists, students, and visitors from all walks of life. It was hosted by the river in Shishkat, Gulmit Gojal, in the Hunza district.
“Sculpted Whispers” sought to increase awareness of the pressing problem of melting glaciers, the necessity of taking action against climate change, and to promote a better comprehension of the environmental difficulties the area faces. Themes for the exhibition included the preservation of Mother Earth, endangered species, the value of trees, the place of the individual in society, and global warming.
To highlight the effects of human activity on climate change, a group of five artists—three men and two women—created striking sculptures and calligraphy out of ice, sand, river sediments, and frozen streams. The volunteers of AKAH’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) continued to work on raising awareness, organizing the community, and guaranteeing the guests’ personal safety during the event. Every sculpture transcended artistic imagination, representing the frozen marvels of our planet and acting as a sobering reminder of the beauty that is vanishing as a result of global warming. Visitors to the art show included delegates such as the Secretary of Finance for Gilgit-Baltistan, the Assistant Commissioner, and the District Commissioner for the Hunza region. They were impressed by the exhibition’s original concept for bringing attention to such a significant worldwide issue.
The AKAH Pakistan team participated in a panel discussion on January 24 at Khalti Lake, which was arranged by the Government of Gilgit Baltistan. During the discussion, they discussed climate change from a global perspective, its causes, its effects on Gilgit-Baltistan, and its effects on northern glaciers.
Onno Ruhl, General Manager of AKAH, said in a video message 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.” AKAH’s mission is to empower communities to thrive in the face of growing difficulties by fusing scientific solutions with traditional knowledge.
At the press conference to launch the art exhibition, Nusrat Nasab, the CEO of AKAH Pakistan, said, “We are committed to addressing the profound impacts of unprecedented climate change on vulnerable communities.” Sculpted Whispers is a cutting-edge exhibition that highlights the dire consequences of climate change and beautifully captures the beauty of ice, sand, and stone art. It inspires viewers to consider the vulnerability of our planet and take action toward sustainable solutions. As clear environmental changes take place, AKAH reaffirms its unwavering dedication to tackling climate-related risks and vulnerabilities and building community fortitude in the face of adversity.”
At the press conference that opened the art exhibition, Nusrat Nasab, the CEO of AKAH Pakistan, said, “We are committed to addressing the profound impacts of unprecedented climate change on vulnerable communities.” A one-of-a-kind exhibition called Sculpted Whispers draws attention to the fragility of our world and motivates viewers to take action toward sustainable solutions while simultaneously showcasing the beauty of ice, sand, and stone art. AKAH affirms its unwavering commitment to tackling climate-related vulnerabilities and difficulties as well as fostering community resilience in the face of adversity as we witness obvious environmental changes.”
