kitab kahani
(story of the book part 11)
Latex and Aerosol on Wall. 10' x 12'. Punjabi Lok Rahs (People’s Theatre) Rooftop, Lahore, Pakistan. 2006
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This painting is a sequel to the story I began relating in Mumbai on canvas – a story of a book bringing itself back to life. In this version, a team of men are orchestrating some sort of scheme to re-enter the book, while the rest of the sub-continental society (zoom in) carries on. The mural has provoked a great deal of response, from Pakistanis and forengis who all seem to have something to say about the story. In general, Pakistanis interpret the story as a depiction of what they believe to be the military “dictatorship” in Pakistan, and the use of Islam as the legitimizing factor. They base this view on the association of a “larger-than-life” book with the Holy Qur’an.
Some chance westerners that have seen the piece have related their interpretation that the“3rd world” society depicted in the painting is on the cusp of “finding truth” or a means of empowerment by interacting with this extraterrestrial crater of knowledge (i.e. the book). I am very grateful for the variety and thoughtfulness of the responses I have received. I am sure that my feelings of appreciation are connected to the fact that I have found Lahore to be such a liberal-minded and culturally-engaged city, with numerous theatre, music and art festivals bringing together people of all walks of life. Certainly not the Pakistan we envision in the West.
ja.1n.us 2007