Islamabad, Oct 7: Lahore Biennale Foundation Kicks Off 3rd Art Exhibit with ‘Of Mountains and Seas’ Theme
The 2024 Lahore Biennale Foundation, themed “Of Mountains and Seas,” builds on the success of previous editions, starting in 2018, and focuses on exploring ecologies and sustainable futures through the power of contemporary art.
This year’s event will feature over 60 artists from more than 30 countries, highlighting site-specific and immersive installations that address critical environmental issues while also emphasizing Indigenous heritage and traditional knowledge as solutions for sustainability.
The third edition of the Biennale aims to offer a distinct perspective from Pakistan while linking it to global conversations within the Global South. According to Qudsia Rahim, Executive Director of the Lahore Biennale Foundation (LBF), the event seeks to encourage meaningful cultural dialogues in South Asia and foster exchange on a global scale, contributing to a shared sustainable future. The city of Lahore, with its rich cultural backdrop, becomes a central point for these conversations, engaging local audiences with global contemporary art.
This year’s Biennale will be hosted at iconic locations, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, masterpieces of the Mughal era.
These historic venues will provide a stunning backdrop for new art commissions and installations that connect the past to present environmental challenges.
John Tain, the curator of LB03, stresses the importance of linking historic sites to contemporary art to highlight Lahore’s deep cultural connections with Asia and Europe while addressing sustainability. Raza Ali Dada, Lead Architect for LB03, underscores the emphasis on urban spaces and sustainability in the spatial design of the event.
Running from October 6 to November 8, 2024, the Biennale will be free and open to the public, offering an exciting opportunity to engage with contemporary art and pressing environmental issues.
