C lose contact with mountains – as with people - often reveals stuff about them one had been oblivious to having seen them only from a distance. As one digs deeper one may discover rocks and minerals not visible on the surface, some easily recognisable, others transmuted. Hamra Abbas set herself the uncommon task of exploring a mountain (easier arguably than analysing a human),to find, show and share its hidden constituents, mainly lapis lazuli, a stone known for its unmatched appeal and incomparable value.
At her solo exhibition, Water, Plants and Other Ecologies (curated by Imran Qureshi at The Barracks, Lahore, from August 12 to September 9), one comes across mountains in many forms and incarnations. These mountains do not consist of rocks alone, but also include vegetation, trees, water channels and snow. In a simplified representation, a mountain can be a metaphor for a difficult utopia.
A city dweller may sometimes wonder about the mountaineers’ passion. They often come from far off places and despite being aware of the many risks associated with such expeditions, climb difficult peaks such as K-2. At the heart of some of these hazardous ventures, probably lies a dream to transcend the earth’s pull and levitate into heaven.
Semitic and some other religions promise paradise to their followers. However, descriptions of the place differ. For Muslims, it is a garden rich in fruits and flowers set close to rivers and meadows.
This vision has been regularly reproduced i.