In every society, there exist quieter, parallel narratives that unfold beyond the reach of dominant discourse. Counterpublics seeks to explore these alternate spaces of expression and assembly,
where artists reimagine systems of identity, power, and community.
Working across painting and new media, the participating artists examine how personal and collective histories intersect to form new publics.
Their works propose alternative vocabularies of truth and belonging, offering insight into what remains unseen or unspoken within contemporary Pakistan.
The exhibition positions each artist as an active agent in constructing meaning resisting
homogeneity, reclaiming visibility, and forming spaces for dialogue that exist in tension with the mainstream.
While based in Lahore, this exhibition is intentionally conceived for Karachi, a city that embodies
multiplicity, contradiction, and constant negotiation. Counterpublics mirrors these qualities, presenting practices that challenge static notions of culture and representation.
The selection of artists brings together a cross-generational and cross-regional spectrum, spanning emerging and mid-career practitioners. This diversity not only enriches the visual dialogue but also reflects
the layered and complex ecosystem of Pakistani contemporary art.
Beyond the exhibition itself, Counterpublics aims to serve as a temporary public forum where the gallery becomes a space of shared inquiry, critical exchange, and collective reflection.
