Curating the uncharted: a journey Beyond DNA

Beyond DNA redefines curatorial practice by exploring identity beyond genes, biology

Dear Sadaf Naeem & Saulat Ajmal,

Have followed and thoroughly enjoyed all three presentations of Beyond DNA, a project by Studio RM, held respectively at O Art Studio, Tanzara Gallery and Sanat Initiative, exploring identity, humanity and existence as subjects of inquiry. Now is the time to raise a toast to you, girls, for redefining curatorial art practice in Pakistan. The global art world has undergone a significant transformation — from a modernist emphasis on the artwork as a self-contained object to a more relational and participatory perception of art. This shift is characterised by a growing recognition of the importance of context, narrative and discourse in understanding the artwork's significance. Not long ago, artists were not supposed to be vocal about their practice. It "must speak for itself". The artworks needed to be aesthetically pleasing and emotionally appealing. The viewers were free to engage with the work in whatever way they chose, according to their taste and standing.

Today, art is no longer just a matter of aesthetics, but also of interpretation and meaning. The artist's voice and perspective are now seen as essential to understanding the relevance and significance of artworks. This democratisation of art has also led to a more inclusive and accessible art world, where art serves a wider range of purposes, from sparking critical conversations to providing a platform for marginalised voices.

The art world is no longer a monolithic entity, but a complex network of diverse perspectives and practices. As art has become a powerful tool for social commentary, activism and introspection, addressing the psychological, emotional and social needs of diverse audiences, curatorial practice is definitely a thing. Of course, it doesn't command total submission like the medieval churches, nor does it aim to dictate and decree like the 'not very noble' Medicis of Florence or any other sovereign, authoritative individuals.

It is often collaborative, interdisciplinary and critically engaged with social, cultural and political issues. Curators are no longer seen as simply presenting artworks, but as facilitators, mediators and interpreters who shape the meaning and impact of the exhibition. In Pakistan, curatorial practice is evolving, with a growing number of independent curators, artists and institutions pushing the boundaries of exhibition-making and engaging with local and global audiences.

Where does Beyond DNA stand in this context? As the title suggests, the project embarks on a journey through uncharted territory, advancing new ways of thinking about evolution and adaptation. However, it extends beyond the conventional understanding of evolution as a process of replacing less effective genes with more effective ones, typically studied by evolutionary biologists. Instead, it explores the idea that there's more to the story. But what exactly? Is it about tapping into a collective history, muscle memory, showcasing an artist's signature style, exploring identity or something innate or adopted? The answers to these questions are complex and multifaceted and certainly not the exclusive domain of geneticists alone.

While genetic information plays a crucial role in offspring development and has lifelong effects, Beyond DNA, as a curatorial project, probes the significance of epigenetic or extra-genetic factors in shaping evolutionary processes. This raises intriguing questions about the role of cultural and social inheritance in shaping our identities and behaviours. Can the ways in which we learn, adapt and interact with our environment be passed down through generations, influencing the course of evolution?

The three exhibitions offer a meditative and reflective exploration of these questions, featuring collaborations between practitioners and curators who examine the fundamental human drives to express, communicate and create objects imbued with aesthetic qualities. Through a probing and analytical approach, these exhibitions grapple with basic questions about human existence: Who are we? What are we doing? And why and how do we do what we do?

Cheers!

Bano

January 2026