Where all the butterflies go

The purpose behind this solo exhibition and its associated educational programmes was primarily to explore cross-cultural dialogue and research pedagogical strategies complimentary to changing social conditions and religious ideologies. The exhibition, curated by Abdullah Syed (University of Karachi) and Roohi Ahmed (Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture) was carefully selected to create a visual conversation and examine how drawing can be an immediate and profound method of intellectual connection. The metaphor of the title of the exhibition refers to the political turbulence in Pakistan, and provided an evocative parallel with personal instability. The images negotiate this territory through political and private narratives. The impact of an exhibition is often difficult to determine, however the response to this exhibition generated not only intelligent and positive reviews in the critical press, but created an awareness of my personal research and how it resonates outside a ‘western’ cultural tradition. The exhibition was covered by Karachi TV, and reviewed in The Dawn, International News Karachi, and The Daily Times, Karachi. A 56 page catalogue ‘Where All The Butterflies Go’ accompanied the exhibition and explored the rationale behind the exhibition through an 8 page interview and an illuminating essay by Abdullah Syed. The exhibition and catalogue sponsored by the ZVMG Rangoonwala Trust. The project also included a series of lectures and workshops intended to enhance the educational exchange aspects of the exhibition. The 3 day drawing workshops at both Karachi University and Indus Valley School of Art, demanded a flexible and innovative approach to this subject given the cultural sensitivities and restrictive conditions. Apart from formal lectures at these two venues I also presented papers at the Textile Institute of Pakistan and at Agha Khan University