November Issue 2009

Amean J is known for his photography. But if the public response to 2009’s Shanaakht Festival, being held next week, is encouraging, he will also get recognition for being part of a team (the Citizens Archive of Pakistan) that is bringing history and heritage to the people of Karachi in a very accessible and entertaining way.

In this interview with Newsline, Amean J talks a little bit about what identity means to him and reveals the stories behind some of this year’s exhibits at Shanaakht. In doing so, some very potent themes keep popping up: tolerance, recognition of local heroes, finding inspiration, community.

Listen to the interview:

Shanaakht exhibits mentioned in this interview:

PARVAZ
Photography Exhibition
A collection of photographs of life in the Pakistan Air Force during the 1940s and 1950s
Curated by Zairah Maher

SUNEHRAY SAPNAY: PAKISTANI CINEMA IN THE 1960S
Photography and Film Exhibition
CAP explores the golden age of Pakistani film
Curated by Sanam Maher

FORGOTTEN PARADISE: KASHMIR
Photography Exhibition
A collection of photographs of pre-Partition Kashmir
Curated by Zairah Maher

HASHIM RAZA: LIFE OF AN EXTRAORDINARY PAKISTANI
Photography Exhibition
A tribute to one of the first civil servants of Pakistan
Curated by Amean J

KARACHIITES: PORTRAITS BY AMEAN J
Photography Exhibition
CAP honors the contributions of extraordinary citizens of Karachi
Curated by Amean J