Print

    Art Review: 'Silent Noise' at Studio Seven Karachi

    Written by: Nageen Shaikh
    Posted on: July 07, 2017 | | 中文

    'Mad World' - Warda Memon

    Every once in a while, there comes an art show that ‘speaks’ to the viewer with its striking iconography and innovative concepts. It is after quite some time that I have come across a display of artworks that reflect not only dedication and purpose, but also the mindfulness with which the curator has brought together different artists under a unifying theme. Photographer and blogger Jamal Ashiqain has curated Silent Noise at Studio Seven Gallery in Karachi, where four artists have used their unique skill sets to bring out what “needs to be listened to and spoken about”.

    Untitled - Amna Abbas - Art Exhibition Silent Noise at Studio Seven Karachi

    Untitled - Amna Abbas

    Art today is closely linked with technology, new media and devices that have added a new dimension to how we perceive and interpret artistic endeavours. In this regard, Amna Abbas has worked with mixed media, producing some unconventional artworks. Her most striking piece is an X-ray of a human knee, covered with codes and formulae written in different languages. Abbas has a particular fascination for machines. “If only we search deeply within ourselves, we will crack the code and put meaning to our struggles. Such is the journey of life”, she comments. I find this piece intriguing, as my eyes scan the print to see the varied lettering inscribed on it. This is her attempt to decode the struggle within.

    'Traces' by Anam Rani - Art Exhibition Silent Noise at Studio Seven Karachi

    'Traces' by Anam Rani

    Anam Rani works with resin to create pieces that aim to have an impact on society by providing a socio-political commentary. Each of the sculptures in this collection seems to serve a particular purpose. Amongst the artworks is an illuminated resin bag titled ‘Traces’, packed with images of airplanes. Could this be in remembrance of the lives lost to plane crashes, which have vanished without leaving behind any traces? Other works by her are composed of newspaper clippings, addressing the topics of tragedy and the loss of human lives.

    Feroza Gulzar’s work, which is actually a collection of seven juxtaposed art pieces, revolves around the word ‘if’. Using vinyl glass and photographic material, she tries to depict the vast implications of human decisions. Her 4ft by 3ft piece is eye-catching, but fails to offer more as the seven artworks within it are not very exciting. One has to look very closely to interpret the nature of her work, which shows images of doors, windows and mountainous areas. Although the work is intricate, it is not very impressive on the whole.

    'If' - Feroza Gulzar - Art Exhibition Silent Noise at Studio Seven Karachi

    'If' - Feroza Gulzar

    The most fascinating works are by Warda Memon, who questions the imagery behind the actual ‘self’. Creating pieces filled with neon colours, lines, ropes and sketches, Memon has managed to make an impact through her works, especially ‘Oblivion’ and ‘Mad World’. The latter reflects the self-serving nature of contemporary society, and strikes me for its simplicity as well as its raw feel. ‘Static’ is another powerful piece featuring a woman sketched on photographic material, whose face is obscured. I find Memon’s works to have a fantastic quality, as if coming right out of an artist’s sketchbook.

    'Static' - Warda Memon - Art Exhibition Silent Noise at Studio Seven Karachi

    'Static' - Warda Memon

    The exhibition feels almost like a field set for contemporary art, where all artists have come forward with vigour, answering the curator’s call to reflect on the “inaudible clamor” which is humming deep within ourselves, but not being perceived or listened to. The fact that there are only four participating artists has also helped retain quality, and ensure that they do justice to the carefully chosen theme. The show continues at Studio Seven till July 13th.

    (L-R) Curator Jamal Ashiqain with Iftikhar Chohan, Rabia Ali, Amna Abbas and Warda Memon - Art Exhibition Silent Noise at Studio Seven Karachi

    (L-R) Curator Jamal Ashiqain with Iftikhar Chohan, Rabia Ali, Amna Abbas and Warda Memon


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021