Shan Pipe Band Learns the Star-Spangled Banner
Bani Abidi, 2004
Bani Abidi is a Pakistani artist who works with performance and lens-based media. In her video and photography she uses fictional narratives or performance in everyday situations to analyse the politics of contemporary Pakistan. This work brings a quotidian humour and empathy to the politically charged setting of post 9/11 Pakistan. Using wry humour, this video based work tackles postcolonial contradictions and PakistanÂ’s difficult role as a US ally in the War Against Terror. Traditional Scots bagpipe bands in Pakistan are a legacy of the British Raj. Abidi commissioned the Lahori Shan Pipe Band to learn the American national anthem in an afternoon for this process-based work. Viewers watch as on one side of the split screen the band work their way to learning the tune by ear, fumbling through good-naturedly and chivvying each other along, while on the right hand screen we see the street outside, where people walk and washing hangs, cut with shots of the bandÂ’s brocaded costumes. The inimitable whine of the bagpipes creates an unexpected ambience at odds with the hot and dusty street. This work was presented by the Art Fund through Art Fund International.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Shan Pipe Band Learns the Star-Spangled Banner, 2004
Date supported
2012
Medium and material
Video
Dimensions
7 mins 31 secs
Grant
15000
Total cost
15000

Get a National Art Pass and explore Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
10% off in shop
Enjoy 10% off in the shop with the National Art Pass
Expires: 1 Jan 2026
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.