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.

Provenance

The artist.