Karachi Artists Challenge Tradition and Politics in Gandhara-Art Exhibition

The exhibition 'Are You in Character?' by Gandhara-art features four artists from Karachi who delve into the sociopolitical issues of Pakistan through mixed media. Cyra Ali's works, 'Garden Party I' and 'II,' incorporate painted elements with embroidery, drawing inspiration from feminist figures like Louise Bourgeois and exploring female identity with surreal imagery, including dreamlike forests and Shahrukh Khan. Sara Khan showcases archival prints and a diorama of doll-like figures constructed from bullet shells. Muzzumil Ruheel critiques political corruption with ink-and-marker calligrams on vasli, referencing Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poem in 'Mr D's Portrait.' Adeel uz Zafar carves bandaged stuffed toys into dark surfaces, representing the innocence of childhood and the complexities of power. This exhibition was highlighted in the November 2013 issue of ArtReview Asia.