Rashid Amin
Endangered Echoes
Picture


Artist Statement:
Endangered Echoes

​An exhibition that seeks to amplify the silent, yet vital, voices of our planet’s endangered plant species. In this collection, each sculpture, carved from natural stone, serves as a testament to the delicate balance and harmony that exists between nature and humanity, and a call to action for sustainable living.

Our world is an intricate tapestry woven from countless threads of life, with plants and trees forming the backbone of this natural network. These silent sentinels provide us with the oxygen we breathe, the food we consume, and the raw materials that support our daily lives. They are the unseen architects of our environment, stabilizing the soil, moderating the climate, and sustaining the intricate web of biodiversity that all species depend upon. However, the echoes of these plants are growing fainter. Human activities, from deforestation to urban expansion to illegal logging, are pushing many plant species to the brink of extinction.

The sculptures in this exhibition are not just art; they are reminders of what we stand to lose if we continue down this path. Each piece, meticulously carved from natural stone, symbolizes the enduring strength and beauty of these plants, yet also their fragility in the face of human neglect. By carving these sculptures from stone, I aim to capture the timeless essence of these endangered species and underscore their importance in our lives and the natural world. “Endangered Echoes” is more than an exhibition; it is a plea for harmony and balance. It is a reminder that our actions have consequences and that we have a responsibility to safeguard the natural world. By embracing sustainability, we can ensure that the echoes of these plants continue to be heard, and that the rich tapestry of life on Earth remains vibrant and diverse.

I invite you to explore the sculptures, reflect on the stories they tell, and consider how we can all contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. Let us listen to the echoes of the endangered and take action to preserve the beauty and balance of our planet.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Rashid Amin - Nairobi - June 2024

Artist Biography

​Rashid Amin, born 1990, is a sculptor whose early education in the picturesque valley of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature. This profound connection to the natural world has significantly influenced his artistic journey. Karachi, Pakistan, became his second home, where he earned a Certificate of Fine Arts in 2012 from the Arts Council Institute of Arts and Crafts. With over a decade of experience in stone sculpting, Rashid has showcased his talent through various themed exhibitions. He has attended numerous art festivals and undertaken commissioned work in both the public and private sectors. Rashid’s work has been featured in group exhibitions nationally and internationally, including in China and Dubai. His most recent solo exhibition, “Anthropogenic,” focused on the theme of endangered animal species. The term “Anthropogenic” refers to the effects and processes that are the result of human activity, highlighting the impact of human actions on the environment and wildlife. This exhibition aimed to raise awareness about the threats faced by endangered species due to human activities. Currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, Rashid continues to draw inspiration from nature, infusing his sculptures with the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

Education
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Karachi, (2009) – Karachi, Pakistan
• Certificate in Fine Art from Arts Council Institute of Arts and Crafts, (2010-2012) – Karachi, Pakistan
Exhibitions
​• Theme: Wasli to Stone 2015 – Commune Artist Colony - Karachi, Pakistan. 
• Theme: Protogenesis and Fuse 2017 – Group Art Tour Expo of China and Pakistan - CPEC Cultural Communication Center China.
• Theme: Jubilee Arts Pakistan 2018 – Jinnah Convention Center - Islamabad, Pakistan. 
• Theme: Waiting for flowers to bloom 2019 – Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.
• Theme: Islamabad Art Festival (Tradition & Modernity) 2019 – Pakistan National Council of Arts Islamabad (PNCA) 
• Theme: Perspectives 2020 – World Bank Islamabad, Pakistan 
• Theme: The Green 2022 – Dubai Expo 2020 
• Theme: Anthropogenic 2023 – Commune Artist Colony, Karachi Pakistan
Commissions
• Stone Mural for Sindh Assembly, Karachi, Pakistan. 6 Months Project (2013). Title: Sindh Ancient to Modern Scale: 324 x 6 x 124 inches Medium: Sand Stone
• Stone Mural for residence, Karachi, Pakistan. 4 Months Project (2017). Title: Fifteen Sun Flowers in a Vase Scale: 96x 6 x 108 inches Medium: Sand Stone
• Relief Sculpture for private client, Karachi Pakistan. (2021) Title: Portrait of a couple Scale: 24 x 3 x 22 inches Medium: Sand Stone