Written by: Jovita Alvares
Posted on: May 01, 2020 | 
Luna by Minaa Mohsin
As Pakistan moves into its second month of lockdown, many cannot stop themselves from feeling anxious about the uncertainties of the future. No matter how rich, powerful or fully equipped nations may have been, the pandemic has managed to slither to all corners of the globe, not discriminating between wealth, gender or race. However, almost as if in an astute act of rebellion, many have found ways to cope and help others to do so as well. Working their way around the natural urge to physically interact, many have taken to social media to communicate ideas and spread messages of hope and community.
One such initiative is the ‘Evolve’ exhibition currently happening online. Curated by Zara Sajid, the exhibition features a collection of artworks that were developed during this lockdown. Half of all proceeds from the exhibition have been promised to the Eleven Hearts Foundation (EHF). EHF is a nonprofit organization in Lahore dedicated to the distribution of food supplies to those who, due to strong quarantine measures, have lost their means of income or have had serious deductions in their salaries.
Untitled by Sana Nezam
Since the element of physicality has been completely removed from the equation, Sajid allows the audience to engage in the next best thing; live online videos. Each day she spoke to a different artist from the exhibition in a live and interactive session. Though not the ideal way for a conversation, it did provide a kind of bridge between artist and audience.
The pandemic has affected us all in different ways, but what’s worse is still the underlying belief among some that they are immune to the virus, and the lockdown is simply irrelevant to them. More powerful than Shehzil Malik’s artwork in this exhibition, which is splendid and empowering, is actually her artist statement.
Marvia by Shehzil Malik
As someone who has always been outspoken on social media, Malik uses this opportunity to address the non-serious attitude towards lockdown. This comes as a result of a regular routine of going out, while the women of the family are obligated to stay at home. Her statement is simple and personal, but at the same time urges us, especially the men who are following lockdown, to reason with the ones that do not take it seriously. ‘Speak their language’, she says, and rightly so, because one person’s actions will ultimately affect everyone else.
Irfan Gul Dahri, a meticulous painter, takes his surrealistic approach to new heights, as he directly discusses the concerns of today. With poignant undertones, the artist depicts how as humans we have explored and succeeded with so much technological advancements, but at the cost of harming our home, that is, the earth.
In his work ‘Let us evolve 1’, a boy stands with a gas mask and stares back at the audience. A feeling of uneasiness creeps over, as one realizes that this is a depiction of our ‘new normal.’ The eyes of the mask are filled with an image of a fertile land, vibrant and thriving, but it is only a reflection. Around the boy the background is grey, bleak and discomforting. Is our mishandling of our environment the reason we’re suffering now? Regardless of one’s opinion, the global lockdown has somewhat relieved the planet of a large amount of man-made pollution, allowing it to slowly heal. Kiran Saleem’s piece similarly discusses the human harm caused to the environment.
Let us evolve 1 by Irfan Gul Dahri
Mohsin Shaikh presents us with a visual reminder of the strange limbo we currently face. Forced out of our regular routine, our sense of time has become muddled. His realistic depiction of a chalkboard, makes us question as to what is real, and what is true or important.
begin, began, begone by Mohsin Sheikh
Minaa Mohsin also takes the idea of reality and flips it on its head. Her painting ‘Luna’ is fantastical; a woman lies on a seabed but is seemingly underwater. Is she dreaming, or is this a clever illusion to get her through quarantine? In her piece ‘Recluse’, Shireen Ikramullah Khan depicts objects hanging on a string, all in grey monotone. It appears as a simple indoor scene, which has become relatable in the present time.
Recluse by Shireen Ikramullah Khan
Several individuals have stepped up during the past month to collect rations for the deserving, and instilling hope into the hearts of the public. In a similar way ‘Evolve’ allowed artists to use their specialties, to help and provide a positive message to others. The other artists exhibiting in the exhibition include, Abdul Jabbar Gul, Affan Baghpati, Ahmer Farooq, Amna Yaseen, Hussain Jamal, Imrana Tanveer, Maham Mujtaba, Nayab Tahir, Rabbiya Ilyas, Rabeya Jalil, Sana Dar, Sana Nazam, Schereazade Junejo, Shiblee Munir and Ujala Khan.
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