Art & Culture
A Sense of Belonging: Faiqa Uppal’s Story of Culture, Connection and Sisterhood; Through Brushstrokes
By Nadeem Mirza
At the heart of the newly formed Midlands International Artists Collective (MIAC) is a celebration of diversity, identity, memory, and emotional landscapes.
Opened on 21st May at Solihull’s Courtyard Gallery, Belongings brings together 20 diverse artists exploring heritage, home, and the many ways we carry our histories with us. For Faiqa Uppal, who divides her time between the UK and Pakistan, belonging is not confined to a single place but flows through her art, rooted in culture and spirit.

“I think belonging is a reflection of root, culture and spiritual connection,” she says. “My paint and brushes are my belongings, and I make a spiritual connection with my subjects through these.”
Her exhibited work, “Music Melody”, pays homage to the intricate visual tradition of Mughal miniatures. With vivid, joyful brushwork, Faiqa captures a tender moment between sisters—a motif drawn from memories of her own family in Pakistan. It is a celebration of sisterhood, memory, and music, translated into colour and form. In this way, the painting becomes more than an artwork; it is a living archive of longing, joy, and connection across borders.
Faiqa’s piece joins a vibrant and varied body of work that includes painting, photography, textiles and ceramics—all reflecting stories of migration, layered identities, and what it means to belong in a multicultural world. From the floral-infused domestic spaces of Fiona Carr to the textile narratives of Daya Bhatti, Belongings resists a single definition of home, opting instead to weave together complex, overlapping stories.


Curated by Birmingham-based art historian Ruth Millington, the exhibition marks the culmination of the Get Gallery Ready bootcamp, a pioneering programme at Solihull College & University Centre. The project was designed to support local artists in finding their voice—and a gallery platform—in a supportive, collaborative environment.
That spirit of connection is palpable. As one of the founding artists of MIAC, Faiqa has found not just a place to exhibit, but a community. Her work stands as a bridge between continents, a lyrical expression of what it means to carry one’s heritage in one hand and a paintbrush in the other.


Alongside Faiqa Uppal, the exhibition features works by:
Alice Alena Adamkova, Prashant Kansara, Daya Bhatti, Sarmite Lasmane, Hasret Brown, Irina Mackie, Leticia Campos, Anisa Mosaiebiniya, Fiona Carr, Sandra Palmer, Sylwia Ciszewska-Peciak, Brian Prangle, EDITORIAT, Sophie Slade, Robbie Jeffcott, Natasha Taheem, Joanna Grochot, Tara Harris and Suminder Virk.
‘Belongings’ runs from 21 May 2025 at The Courtyard Gallery, Solihull.
For more about the artists and MIAC, visit Solihull College’s website.
Related Topics:#Art #culture# Featured# Nadeem Mirza #Pakistan #Politics #Uppal’s Story #FAIQAZ #Faiqa’s Story
Art & Culture
Illusion of Affection: A Moment of Unexpected Betrayal by Zeenat Iqbal Hakimjee from Harmony
She was single and lonely,
All of her belonged to me;
At the corner of the building
Looking like a bride,
I spotted her needing
Help at her side
Chivalrously I opted
To do the needful,
She seemed thoroughly pleased
And blissful:
Then suddenly a car stopped by her,
With door flung open.
A man sat inside.
With wide open arms which did her beckon.
Alas; To my dismay, i was left alone,
Near me no more now, but an illusion.
Art & Culture
Review on the Book entitled “Canada: Land of Colors” A Travelogue by Akhtar Hussain Sandhu
“Canada Rangon Ka Dais”: A Scholarly Journey Through Canada’s Colors by Akhtar Hussain Sandhu
Lahore, Pakistan – A vibrant new literary work, “Canada Rangon Ka Dais” (Canada: Land of Colors), by the eminent historian and scholar Akhtar Hussain Sandhu, is taking the literary and academic circles by storm. This isn’t just another travelogue; it’s a profound exploration of Canada, viewed through the meticulous lens of a seasoned academician, offering insights that transcend mere sightseeing to delve into the very fabric of Canadian life and landscape.

The recent launching ceremony, meticulously arranged by Arshad Ansari, President of the Lahore Press Club, and advocate Ali Changezi Sandhu (Legal Advisor), was a testament to the book’s significance. Presided over by Pakistan’s renowned journalist Mujeeb Ur Rehman Shami, and graced by the presence of Sardar Jasbir Singh Boparai from Canada as the Chief Guest, the event drew a distinguished audience of journalists, professors, advocates, and businessmen.
A Scholar’s Eye on the Land of Colors
Dr. Akhtar Hussain Sandhu, a scholar whose previous works include critical analyses of “Punjab: An Anatomy of Muslim-Sikh Politics,” studies on “Motivation and Leadership,” and a biography of “Martin Luther King, Jr.,” brings his formidable academic prowess to this travelogue. The diverse panel of speakers at the launch—including Prof. Nasir Bashir, Dr. Asghar Yazdani, Prof. Kashif Faraz, Nadeem Nazar, Ashraf Shareef, Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Bhatti, Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi, and Mujeeb Ur Rehman Shami—unanimously lauded the author’s unique approach.
They highlighted Sandhu’s extraordinary talent in several key areas, which are evidently showcased in “Canada Rangon Ka Dais”:
Dr.Sandhu’s deep appreciation for nature shines through in his detailed descriptions of Canada’s serene lakes and the breathtaking spectacle of the changing colors of the trees. These observations extend beyond aesthetic appreciation, suggesting an underlying ecological awareness. The travelogue delves into the heart of Canadian society, examining its complex social dynamics. Notably, Sandhu’s insightful examination of the Punjabi diaspora in Canada is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a scholarly and empathetic perspective on the community’s contributions and experiences. His commentary on the spacious houses offers a glimpse into the Canadian way of life and its architectural landscape, providing subtle sociological insights. Doctor Sandhu doesn’t shy away from broader themes, touching upon the realities of the US-Canada borders and the conference environment, implicitly evaluating the level of research and intellectual engagement within the Canadian academic sphere.
“Canada Rangon Ka Dais” is not merely a recounting of travels; it is a scholarly expedition. The speakers at the launch underscored the author’s lifelong commitment to academics, research, and personality studies, all of which converge in this travelogue. Sandhu’s ability to fuse historical context, social science methodology, and keen personal observation elevates the book beyond a typical travel narrative.
This publication stands as a testament to Dr. Akhtar Hussain Sandhu’s versatility and intellectual curiosity. It offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to see Canada not just as a land of scenic beauty, but as a complex tapestry of cultures, histories, and social realities, all painted with the nuanced “colors” of a true scholar. For anyone seeking a deeper, more analytical understanding of Canada, “Canada Rangon Ka Dais” promises to be an indispensable and richly rewarding read.
Art & Culture
Moments of Bliss: A Gentle Reflection on Nature’s Simple Joys by Zeenat Iqbal Hakimjee from Harmony
The mild rays filtering
Through the tree;
The winter sun beaming
In glee,
The lush green grass
Beneath me,
Forming a carpet softly;
The birds chirping in the trees,
The insects frolicking from here to there
The morning dew drops thinning in the warm air;
An apple in my hand
I keep the doctor away;
What more can one ask for
I to myself say.
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