Art galleries hold a transformative role within society, serving as cultural institutions that enrich communities in multifaceted ways. They provide a dedicated space for artists to display their work, fostering creativity, dialogue, and artistic expression. An art gallery isn’t just a room filled with paintings and sculptures; it’s a place where diverse perspectives converge, sparking conversation and a deeper appreciation for our shared humanity. By showcasing art that bridges various backgrounds and traditions, galleries like Gallery 21 celebrate both cultural heritage and contemporary innovation.

One of the primary contributions of an art gallery is promoting cultural exchange and preserving heritage. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions,galleries enable artists to share unique narratives, reflect on collective experiences, and explore social themes that resonate with a wide audience. These spaces don’t only showcase art; they also inspire it by offering workshops, lectures, and interactive programs that educate and stimulate creativity across all ages. By supporting the development of artistic sensibility and critical thinking, galleries encourage community members to view the world with a nuanced, open mind.

In addition to its cultural impact, an art gallery also contributes economically by drawing art enthusiasts, collectors, and tourists, thus benefiting local businesses and enhancing the area’s reputation as a cultural hub. The establishment of an art gallery, like Gallery 21, brings economic vitality and positions the community as a vibrant center for artistic and cultural exploration.

One year ago, Gallery 21 embarked on an extraordinary journey, not just as an art gallery but as a visionary project founded by Dr. Farrukh Seir—a doctor by profession and an artist at heart. Having been drawn to the world of art throughout his life, Dr. Farrukh Seir carried a deep-seated love for creativity, even if the demands of a medical career limited his time to pursue it actively. Influenced by the works of artists like Sadequain and Gulgee, he would spend his rare moments of leisure visiting galleries, observing art, and immersing himself in a world he longed to join. Upon retirement, he saw an opportunity to share his passion with others, establishing Gallery 21 not for profit but to foster artistic appreciation among the public and provide emerging artists a platform often denied to them.

Named after Plaza 21, the gallery’s location, Gallery 21 quickly grew into a cornerstone of the local art scene. Ather Imran, CEO of Sybrid & ICE Animations, designed its distinctive logo, and the gallery opened with a grand inauguration on November 5, 2023, led by Ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Nasir ul Mulk. The opening exhibition featured over 60 artists from across the country, including Dr. Farrukh Seir himself. Renowned artists like Ajab Khan, Mahjabeen, and Atiqa, Pervaiz Khan, Bandah Ali, Ahmad Habib, Riffat Khattak, Ejaz Khan, alongside emerging talents, contributed to this diverse collection. The launch drew considerable acclaim, affirming the gallery’s role as a supportive and inclusive venue.

The gallery’s momentum continued with the “Colors of Ummi” exhibition on February 17, 2024, inaugurated by Dr. Arjumand Faisel, a celebrated artist and CEO of Gallery 6 in Islamabad. This exhibit celebrated the beauty of landscapes, still-life, and calligraphy with a fresh, contemporary style. Next, on March 17, Gallery 21 held the “Noor” exhibition, a collective display of modern calligraphy led by prominent artists like Shiblee Munir, Rafiq Ullah, and Qasim Bugti. These first three exhibitions set the tone for a year full of innovation, connecting the gallery’s audience with diverse themes and styles in Pakistani art.

In April 2024, Gallery 21 hosted “Memory: A Visual Exploration,” featuring graduates from the National College of Arts, Lahore, like Malikha Riaz and Iman Asif. Ather Imran of Sybrid & ICE Animations again returned to inaugurate this evocative show, in which each artist explored themes of childhood memories and nostalgia. In May, the gallery shifted focus with “Umeed Sher K Baat Suno,” an Urdu poetry-themed exhibition by Arifa Salman. Inaugurated by TV star Leyla Zuberi, this collection fused contemporary calligraphy with Urdu poetry, resonating with visitors on both visual and literary levels.

The gallery’s sixth exhibition, “Ephemeral Echoes,” showcased works by graduates of Beaconhouse National University. This exhibition, inaugurated by Khalid Saeed, CEO of R2V, focused on the intersection of art and technology, exploring themes like artificial intelligence, mythology, and self-reflection. Riaz Ali’s reimagined interpretations of Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam,” alongside pieces by Maleeha Bukhari and Jawad Hussain, provided thought-provoking commentary on how technology is reshaping art and identity.

Following this, Gallery 21 hosted “Impression of Nature” in September, showcasing contemporary landscapes by Saira Amjad and inaugurated by Raja Changez Sultan, former Director General of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts. In October, the gallery conducted its first art residency in Kashmir, culminating in the “Allure of Kashmir” exhibition on October 25, 2024. Twenty notable artists participated, including Pride of Performance winners Ghulam Mustafa and Ajab Khan. This residency offered a vivid portrayal of Kashmir’s landscapes through plein air paintings, providing viewers with an intimate look at the region’s serene beauty. Professor Tayyaba Aziz inaugurated this immersive exhibition.

Beyond exhibitions, Gallery 21 has also supported arts education by offering a six-week internship program to students from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi. This internship introduced students to essential gallery practices, giving them hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of an art gallery. In addition, Gallery 21 is planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the university, allowing more students to intern at the gallery in the future. Since this internship is a mandatory part of the degree for final-semester students, the partnership will ensure that they receive valuable, real-world experience in the field of art and gallery management.

This year-long journey was made possible through the tireless efforts of Gallery 21’s dedicated team. Curators Fareeha Usman and Haya Jadoon, alongside gallery manager Khurram Shahzad, Madame Arnish, and supporting staff Bilal and Ahsan, poured their energy and commitment into every exhibition and event, ensuring each one was a success. Their dedication played a critical role in transforming Gallery 21 from a vision into a thriving reality, allowing it to grow as a respected institution in the art community.

In a mere year, Gallery 21 has not only thrived but has enriched the cultural landscape. As it moves forward, the gallery remains dedicated to its mission of accessibility and support for both emerging and established artists. With each event, Gallery 21 reaffirms its role as a space where art, community, and passion intersect, bringing Dr. Farrukh Seir’s lifelong dream to life.