13-30 Jun 2020: Special Event at Publika

Special Event at Publika. An exhibition documenting national responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Curator’s Note:
“What does not Kill us, will make us Stronger ” – Friedrich Nietzsche.
These are the early days of Covid-19, a pandemic of global proportions, the extent of its impact to human lives and livelihood, socio-economy and governance, across all sectors and segments of society are still being documented, studied and assessed, in short – Works in Progress.
We are unfortunate to experience it , yet are fortunate to have the opportunity to witness a Biological Crisis of the Century – a phenomena that closes shutters of the past, and yet opens windows to the future, and presents new opportunities for a better Life.
Thus, this exhibition is a modest effort in documenting this viral pandemic as it spreads throughout the country.
A consequence to this is locking down the country, which is an extreme act of Spatial Management – and in doing so, exposed the skeletal threads making up the national fabric – the buildings, vegetation, living creatures, geographical features and most importantly, the People.
And in the cities and towns – the sense of isolation – social and physical – an unusual experience that is new to many, raises numerous existential questions.
However, the experience of social isolation is universal, a great leveler that encourages participation by people who might not usually be confident that their lives have any worth whatsoever.
As social and physical distancing is “de rigueur” of daily life, bridging the distance is the import to national sanity.
The challenge is of managing these spatial emotions of all of us , and our country, for there are slivers of optimism amid the pandemic.
Hopefully this collection and collaboration reflects all that as we slowly move through this pandemic and its consequences for mankind and the world.
We thank all who have submitted – some 75 lensheads and more than 900 images. We will do our best in accommodating everyone that submitted images meeting the curatorial theme.
A special mention is due for “The Biddy’s” – a collective of photojournalists and independent photographers , who is key in organising and without whom there will be no content.
We express gratitude to UEM Sunrise Berhad and management of Publika for offering the opportunity and management support in undertaking this project.
Last but not least, we thank the audience, for without them, there will won’t be an Exhibition.
Warmest Regards ,
Directors and Management of Fergana Art

Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm

Date: 13th June 2020 to 30th June 2020

Available at: The Gallery, Publika Shopping Gallery