Between the temple and the playground

This photo-essay chronicles the relationship between the artist, Karachi as a postcolonial urban environment, and the small offshore island of Manora. The artist's visits to Manora become a mode of memorializing the hidden histories of decay and oblivion that pertain to this island, as well as its historical role as an escape from the urban chaos of Karachi. Memorialisation in turn becomes the catalyst for creativity and for the artist's role as conservator of memories and histories. My desire to leave the city... just like all the other passengers on the public boat who want to get some distance from the density of space and of life in this city. Manora must always have been this restful anchor to the turbulence of Karachi, something so needed now, a sheltered space that is fast losing ground. Naiza Khan, Journal, 2 April 2009

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