Amidst social and political upheavals, art has the potential to be a platform for dissent, allowing artists space to challenge mainstream perspectives and provoke critical thinking. Through visual art, Pakistani artists navigate complex social dynamics, allowing viewers to relate and find themselves in their work as well. Recently, during these turbulent times of social and political turmoil in Pakistan, many emerging and established artists in the country have deemed it necessary to root their practices within their socio-political and economic contexts, creating meaningful, socially engaged works. Contemporary art in Pakistan has begun to transcend mere aesthetics and often serves as a form of resistance, carrying the potential to be a force for social change, cultural expression and identity.
As the art scene in Pakistan continues to evolve, galleries play a vital role in defining the trajectory of contemporary art. Many contemporary art galleries in Pakistan draw inspiration from Western architectural trends, particularly the minimalist “white cube” design characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, and unobtrusive interiors. The emphasis is on creating a space that is devoid of distraction, allowing the artwork to take center stage and be viewed in isolation. Strict curatorial standards – managing lighting and space – aim to ensure an overall ambiance of quiet contemplation, where viewers are encouraged to engage with the work.
However, the fact remains that art that is exhibited in galleries can often be decontextualized from the social and political context in which the work was created, focusing on mere aesthetics and commercial aspects. Art galleries can be exclusive in nature, catering primarily to wealthy collectors and patrons. They usually tend to represent seasoned, formally trained artists while marginalizing others, reinforcing existing power structures within the art world.
Contemporary art in Pakistan has begun to transcend mere aesthetics and often serves as a form of resistance, carrying the potential to be a force for social change, cultural expression and identity.
However, there exists spaces in Pakistan that reject the exclusionary nature of the art world and provide an avenue for meaningful community building alongside creative practices. These spaces reject the myth “lone genius” as a patriarchal construction where the artist is usually a male recluse who undergoes a self-destructive creative process to make work that is considered unique and groundbreaking, and usually unappreciated in its time. Singling out the city of Karachi, two such spaces The Second Floor (T2F) and Center for Art-based Methodologies and Wellbeing (CFAW) are cultural movements that dispel the notion that art making is a solitary process, emphasizing on the need to build creative communities. Founded by the late Sabeen Mahmud, T2F serves as a hub for artists, intellectuals, activists, and the general public to engage in open dialogue and artistic expression. Despite facing numerous challenges and even tragic killing of its founder, T2F remains a symbol of resilience against forces that seek to stifle freedom of expression. It hosts art exhibitions, film screenings, talks, and performances and continues to push the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable in Pakistani society, often providing space for marginalized voices to showcase their work.
T2F Art Space
Similarly, CFAW utilizes context-driven arts-based methodologies to empower individuals, communities, and organizations. It provides spaces to young artists, writers and creatives to create work while in conversation with one another, hosting workshops and exhibitions while using care and community as a framework for the creative process rather than destruction. These organizations, among others, provide platforms for artists who may otherwise struggle to find avenues to share their work. There is much we can learn from artists who haven’t been through formal artistic training. Their work often resists traditional and expected ways of thinking and creating. By operating outside the mainstream art scene, they function under a different paradigm – that there is so much more to being an artist than making art. For instance, Arsalan Nasir’s work poignantly cultivates conversations surrounding social, cultural and environmental concerns and is not limited to the gallery space, often searching for meaningful ways to root his work into the city and spaces that surround him. His work pushes the boundaries of what constitutes art. It utilizes multimedia forms of art-making, exploring unconventional and often transient installations, and art’s role in the public sphere.
The Karachi Biennale has made significant efforts to bring art out from the four walls that galleries offer and instead embed them within public spaces. Since 2017, every two years, the Karachi Biennale emerges as an avenue for both local and international art. The work is displayed in public parks, schools, universities and libraries. One of the defining features of the Karachi Biennale is its engagement with the public. Installations, performances, and exhibitions are not confined to traditional gallery spaces, pushing barriers between art and society, inviting people from all walks of life to engage with and reflect upon the artwork. Through its international collaborations, the Karachi Biennale fosters dialogue and exchange between local and international artists, curators, and collectors. This cross-cultural exchange not only enriches the artistic community in Karachi, it also contributes to a broader understanding of contemporary art practices globally.
Amidst the complexities of social and political upheaval in Pakistan, many emerging and established artists in the country have deemed it necessary to root their practices within their socio-political and economic contexts, creating socially engaged works.
Karachi Biennale 2019
In conclusion, amidst the complexities of social and political upheaval in Pakistan, art emerges as a beacon of resilience, resistance, and cultural expression. From the vibrant streets to alternative spaces like T2F and CFAW, artists challenge exclusivity and forge inclusive communities, amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for social change. Through their diverse mediums and thought-provoking works, they confront pressing issues, transcend aesthetic boundaries, and foster dialogue across diverse communities. Events like the Karachi Biennale further democratize art, bridging the gap between art and society, and nurturing cross-cultural exchange. As artists continue to push boundaries and redefine the role of art in society, they inspire hope, empathy, and collective action, forging a path towards a more just and inclusive future for Pakistan and beyond.