A visual narrative speaking about the theme of the Karachi Biennale 2024 “Hawah’s Garden: Threads of Nurture” by Anusha Khawajah Shahid Th
A visual narrative speaking about the theme of the Karachi Biennale 2024
“Hawah’s Garden: Threads of Nurture” by Anusha Khawajah Shahid
The work weaves together symbolism and themes of community, centering on the charpai, a traditional handwoven bed created by women across South Asian communities. Beyond its role as a household item, the charpai symbolizes the cultural tradition of togetherness. When arranged collectively, these beds form a baithak, a communal gathering space that embodies unity and strength within families and communities. By inviting the public to engage in the charpai’s weaving process, the installation emphasizes the spirit of togetherness, a labor of love traditionally performed by women to strengthen familial bonds.
“Boat” by Qadir Jhatial
Qadir Jhatial’s Boat symbolizes survival and sustenance, reflecting Karachi’s historical dependence on the Sindhu River for trade and migration. Set within a bed of sand, the wooden boat becomes a quiet tribute to lives shaped by these waterways. Its placement in the Chimney Room contrasts with its stark simplicity, inviting viewers to reflect on survival as a layered, evolving symbol within a city defined by resilience.
“River Biographies” by Lundahl and Seitl
Lundahl and Seitl’s River Biographies presents rivers as sentient, interconnected forces essential to our ecosystem, rooted in Karachi’s riverine heritage. This immersive performance invites audiences to view rivers not merely as resources but as integral to human identity, transforming the Lecture Hall into a space of profound kinship. By drawing both local and global viewers into the concept of ecological stewardship, River Biographies issues a powerful call for responsible, emotionally engaged environmental care.
Three Hundred Sisters by Turkish artist Muge Yilmaz is a striking wall installation of an elongated purple diamond, covered with 300 varieties of maize. Oak wood sculptures resembling ears of corn are integrated into the piece, blending natural elements with sculptural form. Through this arrangement, Yilmaz explores themes of agricultural diversity and heritage, celebrating the rich biodiversity of maize while reflecting on its cultural significance.
An image from the Karachi Biennale’s Wisdom conversation at NED University on 30th October 2024. It was inspired by the Riverine Resilience Artwork, curated by Waheeda Baloch.
Sadeqain Riaz’s installations talking about his work “Water Spill” and “Nala” displayed at NED university
Mahigeeron ka aangan, an interactive session at the Table at Frere Hall. It is a baithak and a musical event organised and curated by Fatima Majeed, inviting musicians, performers and people from the fisher folk community in Ibrahim Hyderi
Anna Konik’s A Song of Humble Beauty immerses viewers in the lives of marginalized artisans from Sindh, capturing their resilience as they face the impacts of climate change and neo-colonial economic pressures. Her film reflects the interwoven nature of Karachi’s ecosystem, linking Pakistan’s artisanal heritage with today’s environmental challenges.
