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Naiza Khan, a London and Karachi based multidisciplinary artist, has pioneered for first-ever ‘Pakistan Pavilion’ at the 58th prestigious international art exhibition- Venice Biennale. Khan’s artwork, titled ‘Manora Field Notes’, will showcase the contemporary life on Manora Island that falls in the south of Karachi city.
Pakistan is among the debutant alongside Ghana, Madagascar, Malaysia and Dominican Republic, to host their pavilions at the event. The art exhibition opened on May 11 and will continue till November 24. Naiza’s work was backed by an all-women team including curator Zahra Khan and, Director of the Foundation of Art, Divvy Asma Rashid.
#BiennaleArte2019 #NationalParticipations
It's the first time that #PakistanPavilion @pakistanvenice participates in the Biennale Arte: @naizahkhan's "Manora Field Notes" kicks off at Tanarte, Castello 2109/A and Spazio Tana, Castello 2110-2111. pic.twitter.com/XpJTzmNHsS— La Biennale di Venezia (@la_Biennale) May 9, 2019
Mahvish and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation
The Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation was a primary supporter of Pakistan’s first official Pavilion at the La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale), 2019. The world’s oldest and most prestigious international art exhibition, the Biennale is a six month long contemporary visual art exhibition and host a large number of prominent individuals from all walks of life. The overall focus is to provide an immersive artistic and cultural experience for visitors as well as giving country’s the chance to showcase their talent to a global audience.
Titled ‘Manora Field Notes’, the installation featured the work of artist Naiza Khan, the first official representation of Pakistan at the Venice Biennale. The Pavilion has unfolded across three interconnected spaces, encouraging visitors to explore the venue like a ‘map’ of Manora Island. Central to the installation are archival materials relating to surveillance and navigation, found in the island’s abandoned 19th-century observatory.
Manora Field Notes also includes a multi-screen video installation, created using ten years of footage shot on the island, bringing together contrasting landscapes, viewpoints and narratives. The overall setup was a joint effort by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and Foundation Art Divvy.
Art for urban spaces: Manora video goes ‘viral’ in Golimar for one hour http://t.co/GAofLxOHbb via @etribune
— Naiza Khan (@naizahkhan) February 12, 2015
Read more: Manora Field Notes Pakistan – Venice Art Factory
Naiza Khan commented: “Manora Field Notes, and the expansive research I have done over the years, is in some ways a homage to the island. At the same time, it moves through the materiality of that space, inviting questions about labor and production, optics and erasure, and the relationship between the ocean and land.”
The Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation (MJSF) is the charitable arm of JS Group. With a focus on healthcare, education, and sustainable development, the Foundation works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential. JS Group has strived to give back to the community in which it operates through multiple philanthropic initiatives. The Group also supported the Karachi Biennale with the aim to promote art and culture within Pakistan.
Pakistan National Council of Arts
The project was presented by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and Foundation Art Divvy. Naiza Khan stated that her exhibition is based on the archives collected over a decade on Manora Island and explores its history, maritime trade and narratives attached to it.
Read more: Rituals, Festivals and Gods of Kalash Valley
“Manora Field Notes showcases a new body of work, including a sound piece, multi-screen video installation and series of cast brass objects, which examine the conflicting narratives surrounding this contested landscape,” she explained at the exhibition.
Curator Zahra Khan said, the Biennale’s theme ‘May You Live in Interesting Times’ alludes to uncertainty in the modern age and Pakistan’s presentation would engage with multiple bodies of knowledge and narratives, including archival material, historical myths and conversations with local communities.
“I am proud and honored that Foundation Art Divvy’s latest endeavor, which focuses on bringing contemporary art from Pakistan to the public arena, is to organize and present Pakistan’s first foray at the Venice Biennale,” she said, adding, “Pakistan has a remarkable, vibrant art scene and it is extremely important that it is represented on the world stage, particularly at a prestigious forum like the Venice Biennale. This pavilion is an opportunity to present an entirely different side of Pakistan.”
Officially open! @PNCAOfficial and @artdivvy are delighted to present first Pavilion of Pakistan @la_Biennale. Manora Field Notes by Naiza Khan, curated by Zahra Khan. Gratitude to our sponsors esp, @mjsfpk and the Qazi Foundation https://t.co/I6NdNQpwJH
— The Pavilion of Pakistan at the Venice Biennale (@pakistanvenice) May 13, 2019
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Asma Rashid, director of Foundation Art Divvy and organizer of Pavilion of Pakistan, said: “The Pavilion comes at a time when Pakistan is turning the corner and looking forward to new horizons. The Pakistani pavilion in Venice is years in the making, and we hope this opens a new window to the diversity of talent and practice of artists and curators working out of Pakistan.
She welcomed the support extended by the Pakistan National Council of Arts and Ministry of Information. British High Commission to Pakistan, Thomas Drew, also appreciated the three ladies for putting up a combined remarkable effort to achieve a spectacular milestone.
Come look through Naiza Khan’s Doorbeen (Telescope), 2019. Manora Field Notes, Pavilion of Pakistan @labiennale – curated by Zahra Khan, Presented by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts & Foundation Art Divvy#manorafieldnotes #pakistaninvenice #biennalearte2019 pic.twitter.com/TWIeUpWaVy
— Foundation Art Divvy (@artdivvy) May 19, 2019
Was lucky enough to join the opening of Pakistan’s first ever pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, on my break from Islamabad. The 3 remarkable women behind it are great ambassadors for their country. A fabulous show by Naiza Khan. And we are proud of their UK links. pic.twitter.com/P9GL1jgR85
— Thomas Drew (@TomDrewUK) May 10, 2019