Mueen Saheed, a celebrated Sri Lankan artist, has recently concluded a successful cultural tour in Pakistan, solidifying his role as an influential figure in strengthening the cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Renowned for his abstract narrative art, which explores Sri Lanka’s ancient cave art and rock inscriptions, Saheed has captivated audiences in Pakistan with his work, contributing significantly to cross-cultural exchanges.
One of the most notable achievements of Saheed’s tour was the inclusion of one of his signature paintings in the Lahore Museum’s permanent collection. The Veils of Memory exhibition, which was presented during Saheed’s debut at the museum, caught the attention of art enthusiasts and curators alike. The Lahore Museum, a prestigious cultural institution housing some of Pakistan’s most significant artifacts, including the Fasting Buddha sculpture, expressed its excitement at adding Saheed’s work to its collection. Museum Director Nabila Irfan commented that Saheed’s art offers a fascinating glimpse into the shared cultural heritage of South Asia, resonating deeply with Pakistani audiences.
Saheed’s dedication to preserving and promoting cultural heritage continued with a unique gesture of donation: he presented five of his paintings to the historic Shah Allah Ditta caves, also known as the Buddha Caves, in Islamabad. These ancient caves, famous for their 8th-century murals, have served as a sacred site for centuries, and Saheed’s works explore the diverse religious influences they represent, including Buddhist, Hindu, and Mughal elements. Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and National Heritage, Attaullah Tarar, praised Saheed for his contribution to the promotion of Pakistan’s tourism and cultural heritage, emphasizing the significance of these donations in enhancing public appreciation of the site’s rich history.
Saheed’s cultural tour also took him to other key art venues in Pakistan, including the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad and the Ocean Art Gallery in Lahore. At PNCA, Saheed exhibited Passages of Light, alongside his son, emerging artist Bilaal Raji Saheed. The exhibition, attended by art collectors, curators, and officials, was met with high praise for Saheed’s ability to bridge ancient traditions and modern expressions through his abstract style.
Throughout the tour, Saheed also conducted workshops and talks at the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore and the Faculty of Fine Arts at Punjab University. These interactions not only allowed Saheed to share his artistic process but also created opportunities for collaborative dialogue between Sri Lankan and Pakistani artists, further deepening cultural understanding between the two nations.
Saheed’s tour highlights the growing importance of art as a tool for fostering international relationships and understanding. His works serve as a bridge between the rich cultural traditions of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, providing a platform for mutual appreciation and learning. Saheed himself expressed his hope that his paintings would inspire future generations to connect with and appreciate the historical significance of these sacred sites, ensuring that the shared cultural heritage of both countries is preserved for years to come.
As a whole, Saheed’s tour underscores the potential of art to transcend borders, creating lasting cultural connections and promoting a deeper understanding of heritage across nations. With his work now permanently housed in the Lahore Museum and his contributions to the Shah Allah Ditta caves, Mueen Saheed’s legacy as a cultural ambassador continues to grow, marking a new chapter in Sri Lanka-Pakistan relations through the power of art.
