I M R A N U L L A H H U N Z A I
NOTABLE RESIDENCIES AND EXHIBITIONS
This place has been my first source of inspiration since the day I opened my eyes. As the Lead Artist and Curator of this residency, I’m honored to contribute to a campaign that raises awareness about the deep, intrinsic value of Mother Nature.
Nature’s elements continuously evolve, shaped and refined over time, existing in delicate balance. While modern industry offers comfort and advancement, it becomes a threat when creation lacks sustainable disposal or recycling solutions.
The artworks presented in this exhibition draw inspiration from nature—transforming discarded, inorganic materials into forms that feel organic and alive. Though our efforts may not halt the melting glaciers, they stand as a powerful message: a call for collective responsibility to protect and respect the natural world.
FROM SCRAP TO SPLENDOR
NEXUS RESIDENCY, TOKYO, JAPAN
This international artist residency, held in Tokyo from May 23 to June 6, was designed to create space and time for emerging artists—particularly those who had not previously participated in a residency abroad. It served as a meaningful platform for cross-cultural exchange, creative exploration, and personal growth.
As part of this residency, I explored the fusion of two distinct cultural traditions through my work: traditional Pakistani dress crafted using Japanese washi paper. This piece reflects a dialogue between heritage and material—where the essence of Pakistani cultural identity meets the delicate, refined craftsmanship of Japanese paper-making. Executed with careful attention to both form and symbolism, the work aims to bridge geographical and cultural boundaries, highlighting the universality of traditional art forms while honoring their unique origins.
This convergence not only celebrates craftsmanship but also prompts reflection on identity, migration, fragility, and resilience—concepts that resonate deeply in today’s interconnected world.
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THE SCULPTED WHISPERS
As the Lead Artist of The Sculpted Whispers residency, I led the creation of five over life-sized sculptures crafted from natural materials—ice, sand, and stone—each evoking themes of impermanence, memory, and our relationship with the environment. Supported by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, the residency focused on using nature itself as both medium and message, fostering a deeper awareness of ecological and cultural connections.
Assisted by four talented junior artists—Neeli Ahmed, Nazir Ahmed, Lubna, and Sherbaz—the project also included interactive dialogues with the local community, encouraging conversations around environmental awareness and the role of art in shaping collective consciousness. This residency was not about recycling discarded materials, but rather about sculpting in harmony with the landscape, using elemental forms to whisper stories of change, resilience, and coexistence.