Dear Sadaf Naeem & Saulat Ajmal,

Have followed and thoroughly enjoyed all three presentations of Beyond DNA, a project by Studio RM, held respectively at O Art Studio, Tanzara Gallery and Sanat Initiative, exploring identity, humanity and existence as subjects of inquiry. Now is the time to raise a toast to you, girls, for redefining curatorial art practice in Pakistan. The global art world has undergone a significant transformation — from a modernist emphasis on the artwork as a self-contained object to a more relational and participatory perception of art. This shift is characterised by a growing recognition of the importance of context, narrative and discourse in understanding the artwork's significance. Not long ago, artists were not supposed to be vocal about their practice. It "must speak for itself". The artworks needed to be aesthetically pleasing and emotionally appealing. The viewers were free to engage with the work in whatever way they chose, according to their taste and standing.

Today, art is no longer just........

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