Lahore Biennale 2024
Of Mountains and Seas
October 5–November 8, 2024
The Lahore Biennale Foundation (LBF) has announced its third iteration, Of Mountains and Seas, set to take place from October 5 to November 8, 2024. This edition, curated by John Tain, brings together over 60 artists from 30 countries to explore ecological concerns, sustainable futures, and indigenous knowledge systems through art. Building on the success of the inaugural 2018 edition and the 2020 follow-up curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, the 2024 event continues to place Lahore at the center of global art and environmental discourse.
One of the hallmarks of this Biennale is the focus on the environmental crises affecting Pakistan and the broader Global South. The region has been grappling with challenges such as floods, pollution, and agricultural degradation, all of which are exacerbated by social inequality. Of Mountains and Seas aims to provide a platform for artists to propose aesthetic, conceptual, and collective solutions to these pressing concerns, while also drawing on the city’s rich cultural and ecological history.
A major focus of the Biennale is its connection to Lahore’s architectural and cultural heritage. Historic venues such as the UNESCO World Heritage site, Lahore Fort, and the Shalimar Gardens—an Islamic garden design masterpiece—will serve as exhibition spaces. This juxtaposition of contemporary art with ancient architecture creates a dialogue between the past and present, reinforcing the significance of vernacular and indigenous practices as sustainable alternatives to modern, extractive approaches.
Curator John Tain emphasizes that the Biennale will not only showcase art but also engage in deeper discussions about the future of the planet. Tain states, “It’s about showing that local and indigenous knowledge, which has been developed over millennia, offers transformative resources for building a more sustainable future.” The works exhibited will span various media, including visual art, crafts, architecture, cuisine, and music, creating a truly interdisciplinary experience that connects art to broader ecological and social themes.
As part of its programming, the Biennale will include new commissions that address environmental degradation, offering fresh perspectives from both established and emerging artists. Their contributions will highlight the intersections of culture, history, and sustainability, presenting a broad range of responses to contemporary environmental challenges. The exhibition will also delve into Pakistan’s unique position as a bridge between Asia and Europe, exploring its history of migration, trade, and the transfer of knowledge through centuries.
During the opening weekend, visitors can enjoy private collection viewings, studio visits, artist talks, and live performances. Culinary and heritage tours will further immerse visitors in Lahore’s famed hospitality and rich cultural offerings. The closing week, November 2–8, will host the Climate Congress, a South-South dialogue on the arts’ role in addressing climate change. Spearheaded by Iftikhar Dadi and John Tain, this congress is supported by a Getty Foundation grant and underscores Lahore’s strategic importance in global environmental efforts.
The Biennale’s overarching theme—addressing ecological crises through the lens of art—highlights the urgent need for collaboration between the arts, humanities, and environmental sciences. By grounding these conversations in Lahore’s historic spaces, Of Mountains and Seas not only explores the city’s past but also envisions sustainable futures for the Global South and beyond.
