Nayab Shaikh
A glimpse into the work of Nadeem Alkarimi and Maham Nadeem, recipients of the KB24 Juried Art Prize.
As the Karachi Biennale 2024 (KB24) unfolded, the city became a vibrant canvas for discussions on food justice and ecological awareness. Under the theme RIZQ/RISK, the Biennale explored the intricacies of our food systems and their impact on culture and sustainability, inviting visitors to reflect on the deeper connections we share with the land. One of the standout projects was a collaborative work by husband-and-wife duo Nadeem Alkarimi and Maham Nadeem, displayed in the garden at Bagh Ibn Qasim.
Together, they presented a captivating film and installation, titled The Last Act and Dismantling Life, that earned them the prestigious KB24 Juried Art Prize. Their artwork stood out to the jurors for its poetic rendering of the Biennale’s theme. Processed food wrappers, brought to the Hunza Valley by tourists, were collaged onto a tunnel-like structure where the film was screened. This immersive setup served as a poignant reflection on the ecological disruptions in their homeland, depicting the loss of human and animal habitats to encroaching concrete structures.
Nadeem’s film specifically focused on the detrimental effects of the Karakoram Highway’s opening, illustrating how this infrastructural development has altered nutritional habits and cultivation patterns among the Hunza people. The processed staple foods that replaced traditional diets have not only compromised health but also eroded the cultural fabric that binds communities to their land. Through their combined work, Nadeem and Maham captured the essence of their community’s struggles and the broader conversations around food systems, culture, and identity.
As audiences stepped inside the dome-like structure, they were enveloped in a semi-lit space, where the haunting melodies of traditional Hunza songs mingled with the distant sounds of urban life. This auditory backdrop prompted viewers to confront the stark realities of their changing environment and the fragility of cultural heritage in the face of modernization. The Nadeems’' work invited reflection on the delicate balance between progress and preservation, urging spectators to ponder the costs of modernity and the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions.
One of the KB24 venues, Bagh Ibn Qasim, glowed with the echoes of stories shared—a testament to the transformative power of art. The Nadeems’ project stood out as a beacon of hope amidst discussions of risk and reward in our food landscape, illuminating the path toward a more sustainable and culturally rich future. Their work resonated deeply, serving as a call to action for both the local community and for international visitors to engage with the pressing issues surrounding food justice.
Processed food wrappers, brought to the Hunza Valley by tourists, were collaged onto a tunnel-like structure where the film was screened
In the soft light of Karachi’s sunset, the Biennale became more than just an exhibition; it transformed into a movement urging all who participated to cultivate the seeds of change for generations to come. The Nadeems’ work embodied this spirit, reminding us that in the complex web of food, tradition, and identity, each thread holds the potential for renewal and resilience. As we navigate the future, their poignant narrative encourages us to reflect on our relationship with the land and the stories that shape our communities.
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