In a first, Pakistan showcases at 58th Venice Art Biennale

All-women team presented pavilion titled ‘Manora Field Notes’ at prestigious platform

Debuting at the recently held 58th Venice Art Biennale was Pakistan's first national pavilion by mastermind Naiza Khan. Titled Manora Field Notes, it exhibited the work of the multi-disciplinary artist.

With an all-women team in charge, the pavilion was curated by Zahra Khan presented by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and Art Divvy Foundation director Asma Rashid, stated a press release.

Naiza and her team were lauded for their efforts, while many appreciated how a country that is often perceived as male-dominated was represented by a powerful trio of women.

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Playing a major role in changing Pakistan’s image through one of the most prestigious international platforms, the pavilion was visited by policy makers and intellectuals from around the globe. More than 5000 media personnel covered the event, which ran from May 6 till May 11, 2019.

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According to Naiza, her Venice exhibition drew upon a prolific archive of material collected over a decade on Manora Island, off the Port of Karachi. Needless to say, the pavilion garnered positive reviews world over.

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Manora Field Notes showcased a new body of work, including a sound piece, multi-screen video installation and series of cast brass objects, which examined the conflicting narratives surrounding this contested landscape.

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Naiza revealed she spent months working at the Manora Island and with the local communities and visitors to document her work. Qazi Foundation and the Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation also lent their support to the initiative. No financial assistance was taken from the Pakistani government.

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