Penn College exhibition explores 1947 India-Pakistan partition

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Gallery at Penn College will characteristic internationally acclaimed artist Taha Ahmad in its 2025-26 season-opening exhibition. “Drawn into two, which way home?” implores guests to think about the methods by which the trauma and displacement of the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan can be utilized to foster a deeper understanding of the human race. 

The exhibition will run from Aug. 19 by way of Sept. 30 within the gallery, situated on the third flooring of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Madigan Library. 

Ahmad’s undertaking “frames the life of victims and survivors, along with their reforged identities and corroded memories,” together with the present-day actuality of the Punjab province. Everyday struggles of id, drug points, depredation, violence and Indo-Pak wars, in addition to love throughout borders, feminine oppression and spiritual fundamentalism all are explored in a collection of art work captured on sheer curtains, with mirrors and thru different media.   

According to Penny G. Lutz, gallery director, the set up is supposed to encourage guests to deal with the expertise and the intergenerational trauma related to the occasions of 1947. 

“Ahmad’s extensive research included meeting people who have been unable to share their stories over the years — people who may have lost their entire extended families, or people who may still not know what happened to their siblings,” Lutz mentioned. “This unique work explores the devastating division that impacted millions of lives.” 

A visible artist, Ahmad believes images has a robust affect in creating and growing discourse for the longer term. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the globe, and he has been featured amongst 150 photographers in “Photography Rules: Essential Do’s and Don’ts from Great Photographers” by creator, photographer and educational Paul Lowe.  

“Ahmad’s work was selected for his outstanding photography, as well as the historical significance of the project,” Lutz mentioned. “The gallery committee, comprised of faculty, staff and regional artists, received hundreds of entries for the two available solo exhibition slots.” 

The Gallery at Penn College is open from 2 to eight p.m. Tuesday by way of Thursday, midday to 4 p.m. Fridays, and 1 to five p.m. Sundays. It is closed on Mondays and Saturdays and on Aug. 31.  

In addition to serving as an academic useful resource for Penn College college students and a cultural asset to the faculty and group, The Gallery at Penn College is devoted to selling artwork appreciation by way of exhibitions of up to date artwork. 

For details about Penn College, a nationwide chief in utilized know-how training, go to pct.edu, e mail admissions@pct.edu or name toll-free 800-367-9222.