ASNA – A Moment in Time

Text: Marjorie Husain

Photographs: courtesy VM  Art Gallery

Ceramic artifacts link the universe with a history that is traced back thousands of years. Clay figurines 27,000 years old and remnants of pottery have informed archeologists of the behavior, culture and methods of the world’s ancestors. It was surprising to discover on a visit to the Moenjodaro Museum that shards of pottery excavated from the site are decorated with patterns that are similar to those found in contemporary designs of art and craft pieces of present times. Pakistan has an historic history of clay work from throughout its regions, and artists aware of this tradition continue to explore and encourage the work of potters of the interior. Clay is in our genes and people from all parts of the world continue to practice the tradition in diverse ways.

In Karachi a meticulously planned and eagerly awaited event was received with enthusiasm when in January 2013, the Fourth ASNA Clay Triennial began. Held at the Rangoonwalla Community Centre, the occasion lasted three interest packed weeks and included a well planned programme of events. A two day seminar opened followed by an exhibition of ceramics contributed by 60 artists from 16 countries. A `Kumbhar’ mela where potters from various regions in Pakistan demonstrated and exhibited their work took place. At Chawkandi Art Gallery, a popular event was the exhibition of the work of promising young ceramists with the country’s renowned ceramist Sherezade Alam, accompanying her students from Lahore for the occasion. Amin Gulgee arranged a fabulous evening of Performance Art – Riwhtti - at his studio; while Sheba Akhtar curated a display: Earth, Light and Architecture at the NED University campus.