ISLAMABAD: Personal and dramatic narratives and reflections of the challenges faced by communities and women in a patriarchal society found expression in a new exhibition that opened on Thursday.

More than a dozen artists contributed their work to a new show titled `Collectives` at the Nomad Gallery.

According to the curator of the show, Nageen Hyat, the exhibition reflected stories of enlightenment and the progression of time and measures of change in a woman`s life, as well as reminiscences of history whereby marks left in the region affected Pakistani culture, religion and politics and defined its heritage.

The artists were present at the show`s opening to describe their thought processes and the ideas that went into their works.

Ahmad Habib said: `I paint subjects from my own surroundings. Landscapes, walls, primitive door s, windows, shady balconies, flying kites, cluster of junk and other such subjects have always inspired me. The changing seasons and colours of land have also left deep impression on my canvas.

Ayesha Siddiqui, a contemporary artist who is also part of the exhibition, has represented Pakistan in the 13th, 14th and16th Asian art Biennale (2008, 2010 and 2014 respectively) in Dhaka, and in the 3rd and 4th Asian Art Expo in Beijing, China in 2011 and 2012.

She has 16 solo shows to her credit and has participated in numerous group shows in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jordan, China, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

A graduate of the fine arts programme at the National College of Arts, Lahore, Anjum Ayub said: `My work tends to reflect a contemplation of life through a lens that has been sharpened by maturity, motherhood and lengthy relationships with others and me. Happiness is actuallymy work. The works are by-products of consistent devotion to the act of focusing on the wonderful bounty all around me.

Miniaturist Farrah Adnan is another NCA Lahore graduate and a printmaker.

Her work dealt with a range of social and political issues. Most of her work drew attention to the abuse of power in all its senses. Her recent work focused on the ongoing situation in Pakistan, emphasizing peace and humanity.

Iram Wani, an NCA Lahore graduate, focused on the elevation of women from hopelessness to empowerment, while Nadeem Ahmed`s work spoke of the feel-ings of people suffering from political, economic or social issues.

He also focused on Sufi traditions, and began a truck art series after travelling on the GT Road.

Artist and teacher, Samina Ali Akhter, graduated from Punjab University fine arts programme. Harmony between space and form with collages and calligraphy woven together, have keenly interested her, as has Islamic history.

A love of art stayed with Salma Manzoor since her childhood, and drawing has always been an easier medium for her to communicate her passion. `My current work is about the limitations I came across in my life being a woman and achieving freedom to be myself,` she guests at the exhibition.

A graduate of Punjab University, Samreen Asif depicted women with eternal hope for freedom and liberty with dramatic colours and a romantic atmosphere, juxtaposing verses from Parveen Shakir`s poetry.

Tabassam Rizvi`s work radiated an aura of colour, warmth and radiance, with fleeting forms and expressions enhanced by the effects of light and shading. Tayyaba Aziz described herself as an abstract cuboexpressionist and her work in oil on canvas depicted psychological time in a complex manner, tangled in past experience.

Prolific artists Zia Zaidi, Zahra Shamail and Rif fat Khattak also contributed to the show, which will run until Oct 18.