Print

    Pani Hai Zindagi: Capturing the Water Crisis at ArtChowk Gallery

    Written by: Hamad Ali
    Posted on: January 04, 2019 | | 中文

    A fisher man drying his clothes after washing in Indus River, Sukkur, Sindh by Dileep Parmar

    Although the land meets the sea in Karachi, and there’s ample amount of sea water, the fresh water crisis seems to be getting worse day by day with no immediate solution in sight. NGOs and corporate organizations have been working to mitigate the water shortage in the city. But the first step is to create awareness among people about the possible problems that this water shortage might bring with it. In similar vein, a photography exhibition titled ‘Pani Hai Zindagi, (Water is Life)’ opened on 29th December 2018, at ArtChowk Gallery.

    Tofiq Pasha, Laila Premjee, Tapu Javeri, Farah Mahbub and Shakira Masood

    (L-R) Tofiq Pasha, Laila Premjee, Tapu Javeri, Farah Mahbub and Shakira Masood

    Pani Hai Zindagi was conceived in collaboration with Mr Tofiq Pasha Mooraj, an eminent environmentalist whose tireless efforts are bringing mass awareness among the Karachiites. Mr Pasha, a member of the Hisaar Foundation which works for the security of livelihood, food, and water, in a conversation with Youlin Magazine, said that this exhibition is one of the many events that will lead to the water conference to be held in November 2019.

    This is ArtChowk’s second venture after their successful exhibition ‘Kurray se Art Banao’ (Make Art out of Trash). In response to an open call, students, artists, and photographers submitted photographs that resonated with the theme of ‘Pani hai Zindagi.’ “We try to create awareness about the pressing social issues in our city,” said Shakira Masood, the director of the gallery. The exhibition was judged by Tapu Javeri, Tofiq Pasha Mooraj, and Farah Mahbub. Zobia Shah won the 1st position, Mujtaba Raza won the 2nd position and Emmanual Guddu Mansingh won the 3rd position in the competition.

    1st prize -  Thirsty Sindh by Zobia Shah, 2nd prize - In the Heat by Mujtaba Raza, and 3rd prize - Young child taking water from hand pump in rural Sindh by Emmanual Guddu Mansingh

    (L-R) 1st prize - Thirsty Sindh by Zobia Shah, 2nd prize - In the Heat by Mujtaba Raza, and 3rd prize - Young child taking water from hand pump in rural Sindh by Emmanual Guddu Mansingh

    The 40 photographs on display, besides depicting a serious issue, were also aesthetically pleasing. Bilal Danish, a photographer from the Goethe Institut Karachi, captured a scene at the Water Hydrant in North Nazimabad, highlighting the water tanker mafia and how many livelihoods are secure because of that. “The government is trying to get rid of the water tankers to deal with the mafia, but there is an array of working class whose lives rely on the job that these hydrants offer,” said Danish. Rendered in monochromatic tones, his angle and timing produced a photograph which showed great skill.

    Untitled by Bilal Danish

    Untitled by Bilal Danish

    Another participant, Saima Salahuddin, responded to this theme in a unique and personal manner. Her work, which seemed inspired by Han Kang’s 2007 novella ‘The Vegetarian,’ depicted a woman with cracks and ridges in her body, slouching and holding a small plant. The model’s skin was smothered with clay, which had cracked to resemble a dried patch of land, devoid of water.  Her work was layered with themes of femininity, body politic, and rebirth, where her female body was analogous to the motherland, evocative of the attempt to save the scarce resource of water.

    Thirst I by Saima Salahuddin

    Thirst I by Saima Salahuddin

    Where many participants aimed for figurative depictions that were seemingly open to interpretation, a few artists went for macro shots, which also spoke volumes about the crisis. Dileep Parmar, for e.g., showed great finesse in his photograph ‘Dried out well in the Tharparkar’. The depth of the well was accentuated by his editing skills, making it worth viewing, while addressing the issue of water scarcity heads on.

    Deep dried out well in Tharparkar by Dileep Parmar

    Deep dried out well in Tharparkar by Dileep Parmar

    One mustn’t miss the opportunity to experience how uniquely people have responded to this pervasive issue through their photography. The images are on display till the 7th of January 2019 at ArtChowk Gallery.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021