Light Through Scars | Penticton Art Gallery

The Penticton Art Gallery (PAG) presents Light Through Scars, a timely and compelling exhibition exploring
displacement, resilience, and the transformative power of art. Opening June 20 and running through
September 19, 2026, the exhibition brings together four internationally recognized artists whose work
reflects lived experiences of conflict, migration, healing, and belonging.

Guest-curated by Emily Carr University faculty member Parvin Peivandi, Light Through Scars features artists
of Iranian, Palestinian, Lebanese, and Ukrainian heritage whose practices engage deeply with themes of
endurance, survival, identity, and renewal. Through painting, film, photography, performance, and ceramic
sculpture, the exhibition offers distinct yet interconnected perspectives that move beyond the realities of
war to illuminate shared aspirations for peace, connection, and belonging.

The exhibition title is inspired by the words of the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic Rumi: “The wound is
where the light enters you.” Expanding on this concept, Peivandi explains:
“This exhibition sees pain as a portal for insight, empathy, and growth. Within this framework,
scars are understood as both personal and collective inscriptions—markers of trauma that
simultaneously hold the potential for renewal and reconfiguration. By bringing together
diverse artistic practices, Light Through Scars creates a shared space for reflection and
engagement. By foregrounding the role of art in generating hope and healing, the exhibition
affirms the capacity of creative practice to foster connection, deepen understanding, and
cultivate justice and engagement in the world.”

As global conflicts continue to shape communities across borders, Light Through Scars offers a powerful
reminder of art’s capacity to transcend division, foster empathy, and create meaningful human connection.
Through diverse cultural perspectives and artistic practices, the exhibition invites audiences to consider
how creativity can illuminate pathways toward healing and belonging.