Echoes of the River

Saba Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s joint exploration of the regions surrounding the Guddu Barrage (1956-1962) and Sukkur Barrage (1923-1932) in March 2023 has led to a fascinating journey into the habitat of the renowned Blind Indus River Dolphin. Their immersive experience has now been transformed into the captivating series titled “Hungry Shores,” premiering at Canvas Gallery.

In ‘Hungry Shores,’ Saba Khan masterfully employs the metaphor of the dolphins’ gradual loss of sight to shed light on humanity’s blind exploitation of nature. Through her art, she draws attention to the detrimental effects of extracting aquifers for mining and using water as a mere tool for productivity. Khan’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to reconsider our relationship with the environment.

Complementing Khan’s narrative, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto presents pieces from his ongoing series, ‘Bulhan Nameh’ or ‘Dolphin Diaries.’ Bhutto’s artworks offer a unique perspective on the cultural, historical, and human landscape of the River Indus in Sindh, as seen through the eyes of the Blind Indus River Dolphin. Through his lens, viewers are invited to contemplate the intricate interconnectedness between humanity and nature.

The exhibition will be open daily until April 25th, 2024. This show is surely providing ample opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with the powerful dialogue between art and environmental consciousness; an exploration of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.