BIZ TODAY REPORT
KARACHI: On the 2nd of January, 2018 a unique and interesting exhibition titled “Its all about Satire “was launched at the Studio Seven Gallery in Karachi. The exhibition was a brain child of Mariam Mushtaq Kazi and Jamal Ashiqain who worked in harmony to curate a show“ deeply dipped in Satire at several different levels“ as they state. Mariam Comments when asked about the Curation process saying “ The show was quiet a challenge, it was a complicated one, We had to maintain harmony in the show, so each work had to be carefully selected, I was in Dubai and was so long discussions and online commutation played an essential roll and keeping a keen eye on everything”.
It was intriguing to see Jamal Ashiqain’s work which was minimalist and well executed, although he was barely available for most of the time to answer any much questions, he did state that the show was a good experience to curate, as he was busy most of the execution and selection was done by the other curator. he says “ I was too busy with other things, my work which was ghost Curation was done, I had given out the basic Curation concept, I left the rest to Mariam who did most of the communication with the artists and selection of the works i was just there to over sight, its actually her project”
Upon looking at the show i could instantly tell there was more to the show than meets the eye, not only the concept of ghost Curation but also the selection of works, the works by K.B. Abro were interesting commentary on the society and the way we perceive things. Mariam says she had a very hard time selecting Abro’s work, “ It was hard to take out 13 works out of over 30 works of an artist of his stature, i worked hours and hours to finally make my final picks”.
Fatima Sabeekah’s work was also unique, unlike what she has shown ever before. A set of five hand drawn illustrations taking viewer from peace to violence, it was an intelligently executed work. Mariam says she overlooked and guided Fatima rejection her initial submissions and then encouraging her to make this piece, which she managed to work wonders with. “ I am particularly proud of Fatima the way she took the pressure from the curators’ criticism positively and managed to come-up with this brilliant idea”
Fariha’s work, which were illustrations and done on egg shells was one of a kind, Jamal says “ it was right at the last minute when i get a message from Mariam that we have to include this artists, I likes her work and agreed, i talked to the artists discussed the details and at the end what she brought to the show was satisfactory, it went well with the idea and that’s what we all wanted “ it was an intelligent inclusion as it added the 3D medium to the show as well.
Wondering how the curators executed and selected their own work we asked them to shed some light on the selection process of the works my them. Jamal’s take on the process was a that he just saw the work and had no issues with what Mariam had produced he says “ She understood the concept, her minimalist approach was on spot, I was all for it at the first sight of it “ Mariam on the other hand comments on Jamal’s work saying “ he already wanted to ghost curated, that is exactly where this whole show had started off, i just had to discuss his execution and his other work too but it was not hard and well in alignment with the show”
The show was Dedicated to Mariam’s Father who recently passed away, it was pleasing to see the curator remembering and honoring her father who she takes as her mentor and guide in life. The dedication, and the poem written by the curators sister added well to the essence of the show, as today its rare to see people remembering or acknowledge their parent and elders. Both the curators had managed to maintain the harmony and balance of the show and produce a show which was well executed, thought provoking, and left its deep impressions on the viewer’s heart. I would rather say its rare to visit and experience such shows internationally, and not just in Pakistan.
