Bani Abidi
Born in Karachi, 1971 and lives in Karachi and Berlin
Pakistani artist Bani Abidi lampoons the languages of power and their diverse manifestations in nationalism, militarisation, state surveillance, and gender norms. Playing the role of a storyteller and urban archaeologist, Abidi delves into an emotional and psychological space of satire, absurdity, and social commentary.
The artist’s works are imbued with personal and communal narratives impacted by current geopolitical relations between India and Pakistan, the historical power struggles of South Asia, and the local impact of interventionist American operations in the wider region. From the specific social and political context of Pakistan, she wrestles with the collective amnesia of a cosmopolitan promise that has been erased by nativist populism as well as ideological and sectarian nationalism that also encroaches upon struggles for justice around the world.
