Why we stepped out to protest the suggested mortgage of Islamabad’s Fatima Jinnah Park
Recently with more time to spare, I’ve returned to being an avid walker and I clock in my seven thousand steps daily at the F-9 Park in the capital, also known as Fatima Jinnah Park. I’ve lived in Islamabad since I was ten-years old and…
Bridgerton: Three things I loved instantly about this new period drama on Netflix
No spoilers. For all period drama addicts out there, Bridgerton is being hailed as Gossip Girl meets the Regency era in a funnier, faster, more glamorous and a little bit sexier series which, as the producers promised, is not your grandmother’s period piece as you’ve…
Hot Picks: Coke Studio 2020 & Velo Sound Station
Weighing in on the latest Pakistani music scene thanks to the ubiquitously known Coke Studio and new-kid-on-the-block Velo Sound Station. After recovering from a music smorgasbord that made our heads spin, Ayesha Akif and I decided to paint our own little opinion-scape to…
For Lahore’s lionhearted: LBF makes contemporary art public using billboards, curbside and across buildings
Several artists in a group show of 16, curated by the Lahore Biennale Foundation (LBF), zero in on the human condition in the post-pandemic world using billboards. Zinda-dil-a’an-e-Lahore —an exclusive Billboard Project conceived by the Lahore Biennale Foundation (LBF), curated by its Executive Director Qudsia…
Creating abstract forms with colour: How Sana Dar sustained her art practice in 2020
A tête-à-tête with Islamabad-based artist Sana Dar. Tell us a little about your art process and how you create this dynamic interplay of colours and patterns? My process is spontaneous and intuitive, balanced with a deep understanding of how tone and form flow in harmony…
Dance of the devout: Why a trip to historic Konya, Turkey will fill you with gratitude and peace
‘Let the beauty we love be what we do’ — Rumi Konya is Rumi’s home and there is peace and serenity in this Turkish town that you will be blessed to find. What adds to the overall experience of Konya’s Sufi history and traditions is…
Sara Riaz Khan: This Muscat-based artist imbibes of nature’s vibrant beauty which impacts her response to the pandemic
Originally from Lahore and now living in Muscat (via London), Sara Khan and I discussed her latest work and how the Covid-19 pandemic affects her art practice. Substrate III (will be available online from Khamsa Art). Oil and gesso on paper How has the pandemic…
Kuki: Deeply insightful, he is an artist and an editor’s dream photographer
Besides editorial portraits and behind-the-scenes film photography, Mujtaba Ali, better known as Kuki has also created self-realised projects and merged the lines between art and photography. Re-connecting with Kuki each time is always a pleasure for he always has something new to share. Over the…
Emily in Paris: Ignore the criticism, watch the show
Light-hearted cliches, a predictable storyline and gorgeous Paris make for enjoyable viewing — the Netfilx series Emily in Paris may be the story of a clueless American in the city of lights, but despite all the criticism it’s received since its debut, I would recommend the show…
Read Mr & Mrs Jinnah: A deeply moving love story of tragic proportions
For another exciting online session by the Lahore Literary Festival, I interviewed Sheela Reddy in Delhi where she lives and works. Sheela is a seasoned journalist, now author, and was the books editor at Outlook India magazine for several years. For the online conversation, we…
