Conversation | Fan , microphone, loud speaker and a plant | 2017/2008

 

 

Many of Ehsan Ul Haq's works are about conversation; however this installation refers to a specific talk related activity in a culture where he belongs to (Pakistan). Inspired by the number of loudspeakers blaring religious and secular propaganda in our surroundings, conversation renders urban situation in our times. The threat to nature in an increasingly industrialised society and the disappearance of peace in growing orthodox environment are a few concerns that can be seen in the work. Haq seems to be exploring large issues pertaining to society, with a range of simple, ordinary and readily available products. The blend of these otherwise familiar objects turns his work into a unique visual entity, which violates certain form of expected aesthetics. putting a small fan in front of a microphone or a plant pot on the chair that is constantly exposed to the sound emanating from the loudspeaker, are uncommon formal solutions; the unexpected nature and dimensions of the work raise issues on the existence and extinction of our species - questions that are constantly being asked in a society affected by religious zeal and a fundamentalist perspective of worldly affairs.

Text by Quddus Mirza