Farrukh Addnan

Farrukh Addnan is a visual artist based in Lahore, Pakistan, who utilizes drawing and photography to explore the traces of his ancient historic hometown, Tulamba, and its cultural memory. The history of Tulamba dates back to the 2nd century B.C., and Addnan's work focuses on the patterns and structures found in the ruins of the area. He conducts meticulous research and documentation directly on-site, collecting relics and utilizing his own movement and experiences as mapping tools.

Professionally, Addnan is a drawing and design teacher at the National College of Arts in Lahore, where he initially began his journey as a design professional. He holds a degree in Visual Communication Design from the National College of Arts and a Masters in Art and Design Studies from Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts and Design, Beaconhouse National University.

In addition to his teaching career, Addnan is dedicated to his growth and evolution as an artist. Addnan awarded The Arts Family (TAF) X Sotheby's Institute Mentorship Program 2023. He has participated in numerous workshops and has received recognition for his work, including being shortlisted for The Arts Family (TAF) London Art Award-South Asia 2023, receiving honorable mentions and awards for his artwork, and securing various residencies and grants. He been a nominee for the Jameel Prize 6 and Sovereign Asian Art Prize. His art has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally, including the Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh, the Festival of Print in Brighton and exhibitions in New York, Edinburgh, Lahore, Dubai, Milan, and Beijing.

Abid Aslam

Born in 1986 in Lahore, Pakistan, Abid Aslam studied at the Hunerkada College of Visual and Performing Arts, Lahore. He focused his attention towards miniature painting and photography which led to purification of his own visual and conceptual terminology. Aslam also served as a lecturer in Hunerkada College till 2014. His passion for art convinced him to pursue a master’s program in Visual Arts from National College of Arts, Lahore in 2017 with an aim to develop a strong and independent point of view and a mature grasp of critical debate on contemporary art. He has done a remarkable solo show in 2018 titled as “Sitaron se aage” at Sanat Initiative, Karachi Pakistan. Aslam participated in first Karachi Biennale Trust artist residency 2019 in collaboration with OPP (Orangi Pilot Project), Karachi Pakistan. Later, he also curated a group show titled as “Once upon a time” at Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore. Aslam has been part of both national and international art exhibitions. “Of Land and Skies” was Aslam’s another stunning solo show held at O Art Space, Lahore, Pakistan in 2019. Whereas, his previous solo show "The Last Rain" was exhibited at Sanat Initiative Art Gallery, Karachi, Pakistan in 2020 and recent three person group show “Peculiar Speculations” was held at O Art Space, Lahore, Pakistan. Aslam currently works and lives in Lahore.

Artist Statement

My studio practice is rooted in ancestral connections and archaeology, with a focus on exploring personal memories, collective history, and cultural depictions. Through archival research in my hometown of Tulamba, I bridge the gap between past and present, using memory as a tool to craft independent narratives of time and place.

The works of archaeology that delve into personal memories and historical events captivate me, shedding light on how spaces are interpreted within their contexts. Drawing inspiration from this, I curate a journey through abstract and minimalistic language, employing dots, lines, marks, symbols, and patterns to convey the multi-layered nature of these aspects.Guided by research and a foundation in psycho-geography, my art practice has evolved to incorporate symbols, infusing a spiritual element. Meticulously layered with intricate lines, symbols, and excavation plans, my work emphasizes the historical significance of specific spaces, particularly in Tulamba.

Through my art, I aim to create a visual language that uncovers the past while sparking contemplation on the interplay between memory, space, and symbols. By fostering dialogue on the significance of context, I hope to forge a connection to history and shape our understanding of the world.