Lahore Biennale 01 launches after delays with 56 artists across historic venues

Lahore Biennale 01 opened from March 18 to 31, 2018, across various venues in Lahore, Pakistan, after significant setbacks. Initially conceived in 2014 by artist Rashid Rana as Pakistan's first biennial to engage millions in public spaces, it faced postponement when Rana withdrew in September 2017, citing intellectual property concerns. A new curatorial team—Qudsia Rahim, Mariah Lookman, Zarmina Rafi, Iftikhar Dadi, Aziz Sohail, and Amna Suheyl—hastily organized the event without a single artistic director or clear theme. The biennial featured 56 artists and collectives from Asia and Europe, including CAMP, Bani Abidi, Amar Kanwar, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Shirin Neshat, and Naeem Mohaiemen, though their works lacked a cohesive narrative. Highlights included Lookman's exhibition 'Invitation to Action' at Mubarak Haveli, showcasing artists like Ayesha Sultana and Lala Rukh, which explored abstraction as resistance. The Academic Forum, led by Cornell University's Iftikhar Dadi at Alhamra Art Centre, offered lectures and workshops on topics such as critical writing and climate change, fostering public discourse in a restrictive environment. Despite the rushed preparation, the launch was seen as a hopeful step for Lahore's cultural revival, with local leaders envisioning it placing the city on the global art map. The event also sparked discussions on leveraging Lahore's rich artistic heritage, including its influence from the Lahore College of Fine Arts, for future editions.