LAHORE: Third edition of the Lahore Biennale (LB03) of the Lahore Biennale Foundation (LBF) curated by John Tain has started here in the provincial capital.

On the theme ‘Of Mountains and Seas’, this year’s biennale builds on the momentum of the previous editions with focus on exploration of ecologies and sustainable futures, showcasing the power of art in addressing pressing global challenges.

The biennale features the works of over 60 artists from more than 30 countries, offering site-specific exhibits and immersive installations that address environmental degradation while also spotlighting indigenous heritage and vernacular knowledge as transformative tools for sustainability.

The third edition highlights Pakistan’s unique perspective and connects it to broader conversations within the Global South.

“As a public-facing organisation, the Lahore Biennale Foundation is committed to creating sustained and meaningful cultural programming,” said Qudsia Rahim, executive director of the LBF.

“Given the relative scarcity of regional dialogues within South Asia, the biennale aims at fostering a deeper and multifaceted exchange within Asia and the rest of the world and contributing to a shared and sustainable future. At the same time, the city of Lahore becomes a wonderful catalyst for engaging local audiences with contemporary art and incorporating regional artists into the global art scene.”

The biennale is being hosted across several iconic locations, including two Unesco World Heritage sites: the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens. These venues, rich in cultural history, serve as a backdrop for new commissions and installations that fuse the past with present environmental challenges.

Curator John Tain emphasized the dialogue between the historic and the contemporary in ‘Of Mountains and Seas’, stating, “By placing historic sites in dialogue with contemporary works, the LB03 brings to light the ways Lahore’s celebrated culture and architecture, long understood to symbolise its connections to Asia and Europe. These local and vernacular forms, present everywhere in the city’s architecture, art, cuisine and literature, are vital alternatives to the extractivism plaguing modern societies.”

John Tain further commented that “By positioning Lahore as a strategic location for global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate crisis, the LB03 signals the need to shift agency for environmental discourse to the very societies that will be most affected.”

Raza Ali Dada, lead architect & scenographer for LB03, said, “LBF prioritises the city and its urban spaces when planning the spatial design of its exhibitions and projects. The rediscovery and reappropriation of these locations are crucial means of public engagement and have initiated new and regenerative projects across Lahore. Our design approach honors the artists’ visions while staying sensitive to sustainability concerns.”

The biennale will run till Nov 8 and it is free and open to the public.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2024