Sealed exhibit on extrajudicial killings ‘not compatible’ with ethos of Karachi Biennale, say organisers – Pakistan

The organizers of the 2019 Karachi Biennial said Monday that an exhibition showing extrajudicial executions in Karachi in Frere Hall, which was "forcefully shut down" allegedly by law enforcement on Sunday, "is not compatible with the spirit" of event.

The installation titled & # 39; Killing Fields of Karachi & # 39; by artist and teacher Adeela Suleman was allegedly arrested by some "men in civilian clothes", which provoked criticism from social media activists. The exposition was about the 444 murders allegedly carried out by Rao Anwar, a former SSP from Malir.

In a statement shared with Dawn.com, the organizers of the Karachi Biennial said: "Regarding the exhibition in question, we believe that despite the artist's perspective, it is not compatible with the spirit of KB19 whose theme is & # 39; Ecology and Environment & # 39 ; "

The statement added that "politicize the [biennale] The platform will go against our efforts to bring art to the public and attract artists from the periphery to the dominant cultural discourse. "

The organizers added, however, that they are "against the censorship of art and believe that the expression is very subjective for the viewer's interpretation of the work of art."

The statement expressed appreciation for the support provided to the biennial by the Karachi authorities, saying that the city government had allowed the platform to use public spaces to install works of art and "use the city as a canvas."

"And although art is self-expression, this year's theme did not justify a political statement on an unrelated subject," he said referring to Suleman's exhibition, "since all artists have agreed to focus on & # 39; Ecology and Medium Environment & # 39; within the framework of cultural sensitivities ".

The organizers said they expected the artist community to understand that "any public event has to work within certain […] limits ".

"To ensure a sustainable future of the Karachi Biennial, it is imperative that we focus on its mandate to connect art, the city and its people," concluded the brochure.

The statement came as journalists and activists. shared Photos of the Suleman exhibit after it was allegedly shattered by police personnel today.

Also on Monday, the Pakistan Human Rights Commission said it was "deeply concerned" about the alleged forced cancellation of the artistic presentation by the authorities.

He noted: "Ironically, this show, if allowed, whether critical of the state or not, would have been seen by a few hundred people. Its prohibition has been international news. This is detrimental to the interests of the state and creates resentment." among citizens. "

& # 39; Cowardly & # 39;

Some citizens turned to Twitter to express their disappointment with the position taken by the organizers of the Karachi Biennial regarding the stoppage of the Suleman exhibition.

"I am so disappointed with the Karachi Biennial right now. His statement is repulsive. Do not organize a Biennial if you are not able to protect your artists. You cannot put art in public spaces in Karachi and not be & # 39; politicized & # 39 ;. Art is political, public spaces are POLITICAL, "tweeted Aiman ​​Rizvi, a cultural writer.

Another social media user called the stance of the organizers of the show as "cowardly".

"What is the use of making art if it is not critical?" They questioned.

Journalist Fahad Naveed tweeted: "For anyone who has ever wondered how isolated a young artist can be in Pakistan, please see how even Adeela Suleman – a world renowned[ed] Artist and director of one of the few fine arts programs in this country, he was not endorsed by the Karachi Biennial when things got tough. "

Write Nuzhar S. Siddiqi said the silence of the organizers would have been better than what she called the "dispossession" of Suleman's work.

Reem Khurshid said she was "disappointed but not surprised" by the "declaration of the Karachi Biennial".