A Wednesday walkthrough event at Nottingham Contemporary, featuring Nour Aslam and Kuhu Kopariha from the Art South Asia Project (ASAP), has been rescheduled. Originally planned for April 1, 2026, the event will now take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Interested attendees can book tickets here.
The walkthrough will center on Shahana Rajani’s exhibition, “Lines That World a River لکیروں سے دریا تھامنا,” a first-of-its-kind solo demonstrate in Europe for the multidisciplinary Pakistani artist (b. 1987). The exhibition similarly incorporates contributions from Ustad Abdul Aziz, Abdul Sattar, and Aziza Ahmad. The event promises an in-depth exploration of the exhibition’s themes, which examine the connection between coastal communities in Pakistan and the sacred ecosystems of rivers and the sea, particularly in the context of environmental challenges and infrastructural disruption.
The Art South Asia Project aims to foster connections between the art sectors of South Asia and the United Kingdom. Founded in 2021, ASAP provides grants and opportunities for collaboration focused on research, archiving, curation, and publication, with a stated goal of long-term impact within the region’s art infrastructure. ASAP’s team includes Nour Aslam, the Founder & Executive Director, and Kuhu Kopariha, the Programme Manager.
The rescheduled walkthrough will take the form of an “Art & Chai” session, an informal collective reading event where participants are encouraged to share food and beverages while discussing the exhibition’s themes. The session will utilize a companion reader to explore the changing relationship between people and the land, focusing on the geographical context of the exhibition and the impact of water access disruption, as well as coping with loss and catastrophe. The event is scheduled to coincide with Earth Day 2026, emphasizing a calming and comforting atmosphere for participants to share their perspectives.
Exploring the Function of Shahana Rajani
Shahana Rajani’s work, as showcased in “Lines That World a River لکیروں سے دریا تھامنا,” delves into the practices of drawing and painting within Pakistani coastal communities. The exhibition highlights how these communities maintain connections to vital river and marine ecosystems amidst the pressures of climate change and the erosion of infrastructure. Rajani’s website provides further insight into her artistic practice.
Nour Aslam and Kuhu Kopariha will guide participants through specific excerpts from the companion reader, encouraging them to share their own relationships with water and land. Kopariha, as Programme Manager for ASAP, has a background in making South Asian art accessible to diverse audiences, having previously worked with institutions like the Sarmaya Arts Foundation and York Art Gallery, as noted in her ASAP profile.
Accessibility and Support for Nottingham Contemporary
Nottingham Contemporary emphasizes accessibility for all visitors. The event will be held in the Galleries, with access via Reception. Microphones will be used by speakers, and the space is wheelchair accessible. Individuals with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact the gallery via email at [email protected] or by phone at 0115 948 9750.
Entry to exhibitions and events at Nottingham Contemporary is free, but the gallery relies on public support to continue its work. Donations are encouraged to support the gallery’s activities, ranging from exhibitions to educational programs. Donors can also register for Gift Aid to increase the value of their contribution by 25%.
The rescheduled “Art & Chai” walkthrough offers a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art that addresses critical environmental and social issues. As the exhibition explores the intersection of art, ecology, and community resilience, the event promises a thought-provoking and collaborative experience for attendees. Further details about upcoming events and exhibitions at Nottingham Contemporary can be found on their website.
Share your thoughts and reactions to the exhibition and event on social media using the hashtag #LinesThatWorldARiver. We encourage a respectful and engaging dialogue about the themes explored in Shahana Rajani’s work and the broader context of environmental challenges facing coastal communities.
