Zinda-dil-a’an-e-Lahore – Billboard Project
Public ProjectThe Lahore Biennale Foundation in partnership with Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), initiated a billboard project in which 16 participating artists from the City or having strong connections to Lahore displayed artworks from 24 November 2020 to 4 December 2020. The project was curated by Qudsia Rahim, Executive Director of the Lahore Biennale Foundation. Out of these 7 artworks were new commissions.
Lahore is one of Pakistan’s cultural capitals and home to the arts and literature. As a response to the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the Lahore Biennale Foundation in partnership with the Punjab Horticulture Authority invited artists to take over billboards in various parts of the City as an artists’ response, and to pay homage to the City and its Citizens – a reminder of the humanity that holds us together.
Zinda-dil-a’an-e-Lahore is a unique partnership between an art’s organization, local government and the corporate sector to introduce a wider audience to contemporary art(s): a dialogue largely missing in our environment. We are of the belief that the arts play a great role in people’s health, wellbeing and happiness. Artists whose practices have strong social relevance were invited to participate in this project. LBF invited viewers from across the city to engage with these works and create their own meanings through their observations.
With a focus on the city and its residents, the project is a response to the prevailing Covid-19 situation. The locations for the project include both areas with a rich history like Bhatti gate and Garhi Shahu and relatively contemporary urban spaces like Gulberg, DHA, Jail Road, Kot Lakh Pat, Faisal Town, Wapda Town, Karim Block Allama Iqbal Town and Johar Town.
Artists, work titles and locations:
Salima Hashmi – A Poem for Zainab displayed at Jail Road opposite Service Hospital.
Ali Kazim – Conference of The Birds displayed at Mini Market.
Faiza Butt – Jester displayed at Khayaban e Jinnah.
Ayesha Jatoi – Khat-E-Ufaq Bhi Ab Yahan Baqi Nahi displayed at Kareem Market Roundabout.
Waqas Khan – Breath of Compassionate displayed at Main Boulevard Gulberg , City Mall.
Shah Abdullah Alamee – Rahbar Say Apni Rah Juda Kr Chukay Hain Hum displayed at Allama Iqbal Road, Garhi Shahu.
Hamra Abbas – Rang displayed at Faisal Town.
Wardha Shabbir – Oran-Chard displayed at Bhatti Gate.
Ruby Chisti – An Essence of Time displayed at Bhatti Gate.
Naazish Ata Ullah – Pause displayed at Maulana Shaukat Ali Road (Near Iqra Medical Complex).
Atif Khan – Bridge on The Canal displayed at Shaukat Khanum Flyover.
Saba Khan – How Young is Your Tap Water displayed at 2-D, Karim Block Market, Jinnah Hospital.
Asif Khan – Film Still:48 displayed at G-1 Market, Johar Town.
Masooma Syed – Outsider displayed at Canal Road (Near Gourmet Bakers, Canal Bank Rd, Muhafiz Town, Thokar Niaz Baig, Pasco Society).
Ajaz Anwar – Bassant displayed at Canal Road (Near Gourmet Bakers, Canal Bank Rd, Muhafiz Town, Thokar Niaz Baig, Pasco Society).
Imran Qureshi – Still/Breathing displayed above Heaven Hotel at Main Boulevard DHA (Ghazi Chowk, Defence Road).
About Qudsia Rahim
Qudsia Rahim co-founded the Lahore Biennale Foundation in 2014 and has since served as its Executive Director. Prior to LBF, Rahim worked as an associate professor and curator of the Zahoor Ul Akhlaq Gallery at her alma mater, National College of Arts. As a curator, she has organised artist residency exchange programs and research-driven exhibitions that have showcased works by local and international artists. In her current leadership role as the Executive Director of the Lahore Biennale Foundation and Director of Lahore Biennale, Rahim has executed numerous public programs that promote the role of contemporary art in public and non-conventional spaces. She founded the Research Cell as part of the Foundation’s outreach efforts to encourage cross-sectoral collaboration on the domestic and international front, and strengthen art philanthropy and scholarly research in the visual and contemporary art fields. In addition, Ms. Rahim initiated “Afforestation Lahore” a scalable, nationwide project that brings together stakeholders from the government and civil sector to combat loss of tree cover and address other urgent environmental challenges.
About Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA)
Parks and horticulture authority(PHA) Lahore, established in Sept 1998, is working to increase the green cover across Lahore. Besides the horticulture aspect, PHA organizes festivals for the entertainment of the public at large. PHA undertakes community-based projects /initiatives to engage all age groups and enliven the city, e.g bicycle track in Jilani park and Lawrence garden, guided tour of Baghe Jinnah, urban forestry, and the current painting display. Art and culture are and have been landmarks of Lahore and the PHA envisages events to further promote this identity.
About Habib Bank Limited (HBL)
HBL, Pakistan’s largest bank, was the first commercial bank to be established in Pakistan in 1947. Since its inception, HBL has grown its branch network to over 1,700 branches, +2,000 ATMs, and serving 27 million customers & clients in over 15 countries spanning three continents. HBL is shaping the future through a paradigm shift as a ‘Technology company with a banking license’. The Bank’s multiple digital channels are helping it get closer to its customers through innovative and frictionless ways. As the leading financial institution of Pakistan, HBL remains committed to its objective of financial inclusion for all segments of society. HBL is very proud of its association with Arts and values its partnership with Lahore Biennale.
About Kinetic Pakistan
Kinetic Pakistan is part of the global network agency Kinetic Worldwide (A WPP group of companies), which is Pakistan’s leading Out-of-Home Media Agency and currently working with top brands like Coca-Cola, Jazz 4G, McDonald’s, Unilever, HBL, Nestlé, Qarshi to name a few. Kinetic Pakistan helps brands connect with and activate their audiences while they’re on the move. Kinetic has been on the front in supporting organizations to promote arts and culture in Pakistan.
Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Habib Bank Limited (HBL) & Kinetic Pakistan.
