KARACHI: Amidst all the carnage and hopelessness surrounding us, I would like to share my participation in an event this weekend that made me feel good.
ASNA, a non-profit cultural organisation, held its fourth clay triennial on January 12 and 13, 2013, at the Rangoonwala Community Centre in Karachi. ASNA explores the common ground between contemporary art and traditional crafts with exhibitions, workshops, documentation and community dialogue. I, a science student in my O-level’s, assisted ASNA as a volunteer representing the Rotary Club of Interact.
Local and international potters passionately spoke about their work and ideas. One of the first things I learnt was that pottery was more about art and culture than mere objects for decoration. Pottery flourished during the Indus Valley Civilisation, and we can learn a lot about the culture of such civilisations through pottery that has been preserved.
Today, Pakistan boasts a large number of very skilled potters that have centuries of experience behind them. However, their craft is unable to earn a decent livelihood. One of the prime objects of ASNA’s event was to create awareness amongst its audience about the artistic and cultural aspects of pottery. This in turn can lead to a revival of pottery as a flourishing cottage industry in Pakistan.
From a personal angle, it made me realise that arts are a mixture of our identity and history and it preserves our heritage. The pottery designs of the Indus Valley Civilisation are still followed today. Our society is not only in need of doctors, lawyers and bankers, but also in need of artists to create a civilised society. It is important that we recognise art as an expression of our identity.
Maria K Haidermota
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2013.
