A pioneering four-day art residency exhibition titled “Redefining Waste: An Exhibition of Creative Resource Transformation” has captivated audiences in Islamabad, demonstrating innovative solutions to waste management and sustainability.
The event, a collaboration between Iqra University (IU), the Institute of Urbanism (IoU), and Henrich Boll Stiftung (HBS), presented a diverse array of artworks and designs that transformed discarded materials into valuable resources.
This exhibition highlighted the untapped potential of waste materials, presenting a diverse collection of creative artworks and designs from both students and professionals. Through these pieces, the event aimed to shift societal perceptions of waste and inspire a more responsible, eco-conscious approach to resource use.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Program Fellow at the Institute of Urbanism, underscored the significance of integrating sustainability into everyday practices. “The transformation of waste into art symbolizes our shared commitment to a more sustainable future. Each piece here represents an innovative approach to repurpose resources, encouraging us all to rethink waste for the benefit of our planet,” he said in his opening remarks.
The exhibition also brought attention to the critical environmental challenges posed by the fashion and textile industry. Dr. Sana Khan, Head of the Fashion and Textile Department at Iqra University, addressed these concerns during her speech, highlighting the damaging environmental impact of textile waste.
“As a textile industry, we produce large amounts of waste, much of which ends up in landfills, polluting the environment and harming communities. This is particularly concerning with the use of dyes and chemicals,” Dr. Khan explained. “It is a serious issue that demands collective action for a greener future. I commend IoU’s efforts and look forward to future collaboration in addressing these challenges.”
Faisal Khan, Program Coordinator at IoU, also shared his vision for the future, encouraging young people to lead the charge in creating sustainable environments. “At IoU, we believe that every individual has a role to play in creating a sustainable environment. Through events like these, we hope to inspire our youth to lead in sustainable practices and make responsible, impactful choices for the future,” he said.
The exhibition also celebrated the contributions of several prominent figures from Iqra University’s Fashion and Textile Department. Samina Aslam, Treheem Farooq, and Hamza Rafique were recognized for their dedication to advancing sustainable fashion and resource transformation. Their innovative designs and commitment to eco-friendly practices were key in bringing the exhibition to life and advancing the collective vision for a more sustainable future.
For the student participants, the experience was both inspiring and transformative. Aiman Khan, a student from the Textile Department, shared her newfound perspective on waste. “Participating in this exhibition has shown me that waste isn’t something to discard but a resource that can empower change,” she said. “Through creativity, we can transform our approach to consumption and inspire others to do the same for a healthier, more sustainable world.”
Malik Abdul Wahab, a graduating student from IU, echoed this sentiment, expressing how the exhibition deepened his commitment to environmental stewardship. “This experience has deepened my understanding of sustainability and fueled my passion for environmental stewardship. Art and design have the power to shift perspectives and mobilize action, and I’m committed to continuing this journey beyond the exhibition,” he noted.
The Redefining Waste exhibition not only provided a platform for showcasing artistic talent but also sparked a broader conversation about sustainability and responsible resource use. As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, events like this highlight the potential of creative solutions in reshaping our approach to waste and encouraging more sustainable practices across industries.