collecting and archiving

a life-art-life cycle

Collecting and Archiving brings together thousands of digital photographs, videos, and audio recordings from a series of encounters with people, places, and environments.

Items from our Collections & Archives often emerge from this dynamic process and into social sculptures like 'Time Machine', performances like '1979', audio-visual installations like 'Demolition Street', or international photography, drawing and/or painting exhibitions such as 'Lancashire to Lahore' and 'Lahore-Chandigarh'. These projects are a testament to the power of community and the transformative nature of art.

Encounters and things

Things culminate in intimate encounters in meaningful places, and we, as artists, operate as part of that extended materiality. We engage in a shared sense of memory, time, imagination, and place, a narrative that connects us all. Our deep-rooted tacit understanding of local myth, folklore, and truth influences our perceptions, shaping our understanding of the world. We create spaces for exchange and sharing, and with that in mind, each encounter is a gift from everyone involved, enlightening us in new ways.

encountering

Invest time and resources to share something of ourselves with other members of the community and the rest of the world. Make time and space for the unique, organic growth of the art process, allowing it to emerge from the midst of life, growing in sync with the participants' lives, the place, and the environment. Remember that documentation of a social art process falls short of encompassing the experiences in which that live event is rooted, and secondary audiences (readers and gallery goers) are directed to experience the social art project as an immediate past or historical event; through objects left in the wake of the experiences, which offer a look back at what occurred.

keep walking

pedagogy

Moving together through landscapes allows us to engage with people, places and the environment. The act of walking embodies themes of movement and journey, influencing our art-making process. For us, the collective experience becomes a form of artwork that focuses on the experience rather than just the things left in its wake. Walking and talking with the landscape creates opportunities to connect with all things. Walking enriches our connections with our immediate environment and neighbouring communities.

keep talking

Dialogue

Connecting with others through dialogue fosters collaboration, creates a sense of community, and connects each of us with diverse perspectives, which can inspire new ideas and deepen the meaning of our work. Through dialogue, we can understand what resonates with others and incorporate those insights into the artistic process. Talking transforms the experience from being a solitary one to a shared journey and is a vital tool for exploring and expressing the connections between people, nature, and culture, all of which are central to our practice.

keep making

thinking

Making is fundamental to the health and well-being of all people. It allows the maker to express their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. As a kind of communication, it transcends language, enabling the maker to convey messages and ideas that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Making can be a deeply personal process connecting people to their cultural heritage, identity, and community. Importantly, having the space and time to be creative can have profound therapeutic effects, providing a meditative experience that promotes mental well-being and offers a way to process emotions, reduce stress, and enhance overall mental health.

keep living

life-art-life cycle

The encounters encourage participants to reflect on their surroundings and the social dynamics at play within their community. Including diverse materials and exploring local histories in the encounters can spark new conversations about identity, place, and culture. Such experiences can empower participants, inspiring them to shape their environment and advocate for social change actively. Our encounters catalyze transformation in everyday life, enriching participants' experiences and fostering deeper connections within the community. Through collaboration, reflection, and shared creativity, his projects have the potential to create lasting impacts that resonate beyond the initial engagement.

WALKING & TALKING WITH LANDSCAPE