Migration Stories: Pakistan

This is perhaps the most unique and inspiring exhibition currently featured at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It showcases a collection of sharp and colour popping photographs which capture a sense a family, intimacy, pride and an overall grounded quality, making the people in the images seem incredibly familiar and present. Photographer Verena Jaekel has provided the perfect artistic platform for some of the notable career achievements and contributions to community that have been made by Pakistani immigrants in Scotland.

With most exhibitions the supplementary information provided next to an image adds nothing further than the title of the work, but here the two marry each other perfectly, allowing the viewer the chance to gauge an overall impression from the striking images before feeding their hunger to find out which pictured person is being recognised and what their line of work is. Each image makes use of a composition that appears as equally staged as natural, giving the viewer scope to toy with the idea of whether the family chose to be shot there or were directed. Camera-conscious adults are nicely complimented by unashamedly unaware children who gaze at the camera mid-restless squirm.

The featured film Fragments of a Love Story by Pakistani born film-maker Sana Bilgrami provides viewers with an intimate look at the life of a Scottish teacher based in Lahore. This work adds another vivid dimension to this exploration of Pakistan and Scotland’s ties. This exhibition is a particularly nice surprise amongst more well-known pieces that have been seen many times before. It is relevant, concise and engaging and highlights how art and wider societal culture intertwine.