Imran Mughal’s “Tales from the Inner Kingdom” Brings Tradition and Imagination Together.

Lahore-based contemporary artist Imran Mughal’s solo exhibition, “Tales from the Inner Kingdom,” opened at Gallery 6 Islamabad, showcasing a vibrant collection inspired by folklore, popular culture, music, and personal imagination.

Born in 1987, Imran represents a new generation of Pakistani artists blending tradition with contemporary expression. A graduate of the University of the Punjab, Lahore, with BFA and MFA degrees in Textile Art and Design, he incorporates intricate patterns, layered surfaces, and rich ornamentation into his paintings.

His work explores stories, symbols, and visual traditions that shape collective memory. Rather than simply preserving the past, he transforms cultural references through what he describes as “unconscious dictation” — a spontaneous process where memories, emotions, and ideas take visual form.

Through rhythmic compositions influenced by music, Imran creates dreamlike worlds that challenge cultural boundaries. His exhibition reflects the evolving relationship between heritage and identity, presenting tradition as a source of creativity, renewal, and imagination.