Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAM) has opened "Anila Quayyum Agha: Geometry of Light," the institution's first solo exhibition by a Pakistani-American artist. The show, running from August 26, 2025 through April 19, 2026, features Agha's intricate laser-cut steel light sculptures, beadwork, and embroidered pieces that explore cultural identity, gender, and spirituality. Curated by José Carlos Diaz, SAM's Susan Brotman deputy director for art, the exhibition marks Agha's first presentation in the Pacific Northwest and includes works such as the 2021 piece "Liminal Space."
This exhibition matters because it represents a significant milestone for SAM in diversifying its programming and highlighting underrepresented voices in the art world. Agha's work, which draws from Islamic art and South Asian architecture, challenges traditional boundaries between craft and fine art while addressing feminist themes through her use of the needle as a "weapon of choice." The show also underscores the growing recognition of Pakistani-American artists within major U.S. museums.