@koelgallery

– I feel truly humbled to once again have the responsibility of showcasing Pakistan on a global stage, after the incredible journey of curating our Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. That experience was unforgettable. Seeing the world respond so enthusiastically and winning the Silver Award among 192 countries at the prestigious World Expo Awards was proof of what’s possible when Pakistan puts forward the very best it has to offer.

To now bring another vision to life at Osaka Expo 2025 is both an honour and a deeply personal milestone. Japan has long been a source of inspiration for me and held a special place in my life. As a Japan Foundation Fellow, I had the privilege of travelling across the country – from Kyoto to Tokushima to Okinawa – meeting farmers, designers, students and artists, and lecturing at universities there. I also curated the exhibition “Tana Bana the Woven Soul of Pakistan” at Mingeikan – Japan Folk Craft Museum in Tokyo. Since then, the artistic sensibilities and refined aesthetics of Japan have had a profound influence on my work.

For our small Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025, I chose to focus on the singular theme of pink salt because it represents something timeless and universal. It is a unique mineral only found in Pakistan, and yet it belongs to the world, an essential part of daily life across cultures. It also ties perfectly with Osaka Expo’s theme, reminding us of the connections that sustain us and the simple yet profound forces that shape our world.

Of course no endeavour of this scale is ever a solo effort. I am extremely grateful for my small but dedicated team who have made all this possible, the guidance of the Pavilion Theme Committee, the support of officials from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), HubSalt and the many generous individuals who have lent their time, expertise and belief to this project.

On 13 April 2025, the Pakistan Pavilion will open its doors to the world to tell the story of pink salt that began 800 million years ago.

Noorjehan Bilgrami
Curator
Pakistan Pavilion
Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai
Japan