Coming from backgrounds in painting and anthropology respectively, their practice engages different forms of visual research in a dialogue that investigates the role of art and the artist in articulating the conditions of a postmodern and postcolonial world.
[4] This intention is reflected both in the range of media they use in presenting their process based works and in the varying roles they take on in instigating their artistic activities.
[7] Mirza and Butler’s most recent project is the ongoing Artangel commission, ‘The Museum of Non Participation’, which was “established to initiate and facilitate a dialogue addressing the derogatory western view of Pakistan through our media.”[8] Mirza and Butler’s strategy in coming to grips with this challenging venture was to organize an extensive program ranging from “workshops, residencies, interventions”[9] to film and publications.
“Purposely seeking a cross-section of the public in both countries to participate, The Museum’s reach is representative of a diversity of opinions, giving voice to unlikely combinations of individuals.”[10] Mirza and Butler have been active participants of the London art scene for over thirteen years and have been widely exhibited by leading art institutions around the world.
They previously collaborated with waterside contemporary, London,[13] Galeri NON, Istanbul, and are currently represented by Pi ARTWORKS.