The Shakir Ali Museum of Lahore will, next month, host a solo exhibition of artist Maryam Rahman, Zenana, showcasing her unique melding of text and art to highlight the travails of Sindhi women affected by the devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022.
Commencing from Oct. 7, the exhibition of the contemporary artist and calligrapher will feature unique pieces produced by Rahman during a recent residency in Istanbul. It explores the lives of Sindhi women affected by the 2022 floods, highlighting the erasure of women from historical narratives, and transforming statistics into powerful art.
On the first day of the exhibition, per a statement, Rahman would perform a groundbreaking performance depicting the drawing of Nastaliq script accompanied by classical music, performed live. The musical portion of the performance would feature the vocals of Zainub J. Khawaja and the music of flautist Haider Rahman, with the resulting exhibit blending visual art with aural, turning the precise, controlled movements of Nastaliq calligraphy into a visceral, dynamic experience. The exhibit offers the audience a rare chance to witness the performative elements of penning the Nastaliq script, evoking parallels with the fluidity of Eastern classical music.
Curated by Imran Ahmad and Saamia Vine, the exhibition seeks to reframe how classical art forms, often marginalized in modern narratives, can reclaim their place in contemporary cultural discourse. It features some of Rahman’s seminal works, including Sumal, Sussi, and A Point on the Horizon, utilizing calligraphy as a medium of storytelling, and capturing the human toll of environmental crises on marginalized communities, particularly women.
The performance and collection on display underscore the importance of revisiting forgotten stories and cultures, inviting attendees to experience the intersection of art, history, and live performance in a unique and immersive manner.