Who is Afraid of Theory? –
A critics’ – artists’ collaborative Exhibition
2010
Publisher: Poppyseed Gallery, Karachi
Editor: Sumbul Khan
Who is Afraid of Theory? –
A critics’ – artists’ collaborative Exhibition
2010
Publisher: Poppyseed Gallery, Karachi
Editor: Sumbul Khan
The art and essays in the catalogue deals with the complex terrain of Postmodernism and highlights that while pluralism and multilingualism has expanded the theoretical space for non- Western discourses, yet the narrative is still controlled by the euro-centricism of the academia and cultural institutions.
Catalogue essay
Sites of Lost Intellectual Maps
By Niilofur Farrukh
Post Colonial Theory has particular relevance today because it helps us to understand the residual effects of a distorted history and misrepresentation of cultural practices.
It explains how the concept of a ‘subaltern’ culture was built on the false assumption that, as Edward Said, in his book, Orientalism, put it ‘…the East was not capable of composing its own narrative’. From Edward Said’s seminal text to works of Gayatri Spivak, Frantz Fanon, Rasheed Araeen and Homi Bhaba, the impact of colonialism on literature and visual arts has been documented and interpreted with critical rigor.
It explains how the concept of a ‘subaltern’ culture was built on the false assumption that, as Edward Said, in his book, Orientalism, put it ‘…the East was not capable of composing its own narrative’. From Edward Said’s seminal text to works of Gayatri Spivak, Frantz Fanon, Rasheed Araeen and Homi Bhaba, the impact of colonialism on literature and visual arts has been documented and interpreted with critical rigor.
Hasnat Mehmood
Mahreen Zuberi
Meher afroz
contribution to catalogues
The catalogue has been especially designed by Sabiha Imani to preserve the visual memory of the show. All the four sections of the show are highlighted with a bilingual contextual note.
2025
In the interview , Meher Afroz discusses the metaphysical experience , which is central to the show. Also highlighted is her process of transforming symbols to convey the quest for spiritual truth.
2012
The article maps the two distinct trajectories of the art practice of Amin Gulgee’s. His formal calligraphic sculpture and figurative iconography in metal and the experimental performances and installations that are time based and ephemeral.
2007
The article underlines how Amin Gulgee has been looking for the perfect balance between his formal sculptures and the spontaneous and asymmetrical creativity of his performative work, and impermanent installations.
2011
The article mapped the discursive sessions with artists, art critics and curators during the ArtFest Karachi.
2021
As calligraphy changed from a symbol of identity to a component of a subversive strategy , its assimilation in visual arts continues to evolve
2006
‘Painting miniature is like expressing yourself in Urdu’ Imran Qureshi , the leading miniaturist tells Niilofur.
2000
Uraan (Flight) in this exhibition serves as an emblem of the spirit of change that imbued the creative mind in nascent Pakistan.
2002
Text for the catalogue of the show curated by Amin Gulgee and Sheherebano Hussain. The show addressed the nation’s ambivalent relationship with the representation of the body/ figure in visual culture.
2006
The catalogue covered the sixteen exhibitions held for the inaugural of the National Art Gallery Islamabad.
2007
Niilofur as its curatorial lead , described the project as a moving caravan that brought together over 200 artists to pay tribute to the memory of Zahoorul Akhlaq, Pakistan ‘s major artist who became a victim of violent crime. The artists worked on the Takhti , the wooden tablet that was used by the late artist.
2001
Niilofur as its curatorial lead , described the project as a moving caravan that brought together over 200 artists to pay tribute to the memory of Zahoorul Akhlaq, Pakistan ‘s major artist who became a victim of violent crime. The artists worked on the Takhti , the wooden tablet that was used by the late artist.
2001
The catalogue covered the sixteen exhibitions held for the inaugural of the National Art Gallery Islamabad.
2007
Text for the catalogue of the show curated by Amin Gulgee and Sheherebano Hussain. The show addressed the nation’s ambivalent relationship with the representation of the body/ figure in visual culture.
2006
‘Painting miniature is like expressing yourself in Urdu’ Imran Qureshi , the leading miniaturist tells Niilofur.
2000
The article maps the two distinct trajectories of the art practice of Amin Gulgee’s. His formal calligraphic sculpture and figurative iconography in metal and the experimental performances and installations that are time based and ephemeral.
2007
In the interview , Meher Afroz discusses the metaphysical experience , which is central to the show. Also highlighted is her process of transforming symbols to convey the quest for spiritual truth.
2012
Uraan (Flight) in this exhibition serves as an emblem of the spirit of change that imbued the creative mind in nascent Pakistan.
2002
The article mapped the discursive sessions with artists, art critics and curators during the ArtFest Karachi.
2021
The article underlines how Amin Gulgee has been looking for the perfect balance between his formal sculptures and the spontaneous and asymmetrical creativity of his performative work, and impermanent installations.
2011