Foundation Art Divvy is delighted to present “Knowledge of the Ancients”, curated by Zahra Khan. The exhibition is a collateral exhibition to Lahore Biennale 03 which opened on Thursday 3 October 2024
Artists: Farida Batool | Bibi Hajra | Amra Khan | Saba Khan | Natasha Malik | Sara Pagganwala | Saba Qizilbash | Mamoona Riaz | Muzzumil Ruheel | Anushka Rustomji | Veera Rustomji | Mohsin Shafi | Wardha Shabbir | Risham Syed | Samar F. Zia | Sohail Zuberi
Divvy Delfina Residents: Anna Russell & Pei-Chi Lee
The exhibition was on view at the historic Barkat Ali Islamia Hall, recently restored by the Walled City of Lahore Authority, until 8 November - Tuesday - Sunday, 11 am - 7 pm.
Knowledge of the Ancients, curated by Zahra Khan, is a collateral exhibition to the Lahore Biennale 03.
The exhibition, housed in the historic Barkat Ali Islamia Hall, built originally to be a space of learning, responds to forms of knowledge, and looks to indigenous practices of ecologies, ancient history, and mythology & mysticism within South Asia. The exhibition considers how these types of knowledge are amassed, disseminated and collectively intertwine to form contemporary cultural traditions. The show underscores how incorporating indigenous knowledge and customs is vital for ecological sustainability and cultural preservation.
Ecologies
Knowledge is embedded within the Earth's very fabric. Land, plants, animals, weather patterns, seasons and natural occurrences all have a very clear rhythm and message. Humans have learned from the earth and interpreting these messages and rhythms for survival, agriculture and their daily lives. Knowledge gained from natural herbs, plants and the earth itself - natural hakeem remedies and practitioners. Knowledge about particular trees, plants, fruits, spices and foods - the benefits of turmeric, ginger and garlic in foods and drinks.
Ancient history
Knowledge from ancient civilisations and historical events. South Asia has been home to civilisations like the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Gandharan civilisation etc. Ancient temples, shrines, stupas and other places of worship and study are dotted around South Asia, Scientist Al-Biruni measured the radius of the earth with the help of a stick at Nandana Fort in Jhelum. Uch Sharif was a refuge for saints fleeing the Mongols and became an academic center.
Mythology & Mysticism
Knowledge from ancient myths, legends and mystics. South Asia has a beautiful culture of ancient spirituality - different belief traditions have merged together, overlapping and enhancing local lore.
Venue
Barkat Ali Islamia Hall, where the exhibition will be held, is in the old city of Lahore, close to Mochi Gate. It was originally built in the 1800s, to be a space of Islamic learning, and has been restored by the Walled City of Lahore Authority. The building has a courtyard, a large ground floor, an upper mezzanine with an outdoor terrace and a large roof.