Asia Forum Arts and Environment Roundtable: Communities

On November 4, 2024, at Adbi Bathiak, Alhamra Art Centre, moderators John Tain and Annie Jael Kwan led a discussion with 70 attendees on community dynamics and shared agency in art and environmental projects. The conversation explored personal connections with certain communities, open-source models, collaborative initiatives, and environmental advocacy.

Below is a summary of the viewpoints shared by the speakers:

Elyas Alavi highlighted the profound cultural disconnection he initially felt when he moved from Afghanistan to Australia. His exploration led him to uncover the legacy of Afghan cameleers in Australia, whose history spans over 170 years. He shared stories of discovering their artistic and linguistic heritage, particularly through artifacts like a broken rubab found in an 1887 mosque. Alavi detailed his collaborative work, including collages inspired by the cameleers’ notebooks, celebrating resilience amidst displacement. His research on his artwork bridged connections between his Afghan roots, cameleer descendants, and present Hazara communities in Pakistan, emphasizing shared histories and the preservation of identity.

Feroza Hakeem reflected on Elyas Alavi’s project and her work, based on the present-day realities in Balochistan, not just from a social and political perspective, but also from an ecological one. Feroza discussed the intersection of personal identity, landscape, and displacement in her art. Based in Quetta, she draws from the stark scenery of her Hazara community, depicting the region’s mountains and sparse greenery. Her art also reflects the challenges faced by Hazaras, often marginalized and identified primarily through protests. Using circular motifs, she symbolizes gatherings and resilience, highlighting the emotional and cultural depth of her community’s struggles and her role in preserving their narrative through her miniature paintings.

Kiran Khan discussed her leadership in the Womemanifesto project, which transformed a patchwork tapestry into a profound community-building activity. By involving craft NGOs like Karvan Craft Foundation and Baazyaft, as well as differently-abled students from nine schools, she fostered inclusivity and collaboration. Participants contributed fabrics with personal, intergenerational, and political stories, symbolizing shared experiences. Kiran emphasized the emotional connection between textiles and identity. The project celebrated resilience, unity, and empowerment, weaving together a diverse narrative of social, cultural, and personal histories through fabric.

Mizna Zakir and Amra Khan led a remarkable Museo Aero Solar by Tomás Saraceno initiative at Kinnaird College for Women University, emphasizing reuse and community collaboration. Using plastic bags sourced from faculty and staff—they constructed a large-scale, crowd-sourced inflatable artwork. The project highlighted the ubiquity of plastic waste and inspired environmental consciousness. Participants added personal touches, from drawings to written statements addressing themes like women’s rights, politics, and cultural pride. The process fostered ownership and inclusion, uniting community members across backgrounds in an innovative exploration of upcycling and environmental art.

Tariq Alexander Qasier connected his visual work to advocacy and activism for mangroves in Pakistan. During the roundtable he expanded on his work on behalf of the mangroves, working with government and other agencies and authorities. Focused on Karachi’s Bundle Island, he documents its rich history and ecological significance through films, poetry, and photography. For 15 years, he has highlighted issues like habitat conservation, using targeted strategies to influence policymakers. His efforts earned recognition, including a feature in Time Magazine.