According to Moonis Shaikh, “when he was born in Shikarpur in 1923, the atmosphere was very charged. With more than 50 books to his credit, Ayaz’s poetry is a product of the times he witnessed. It is not part of the curriculum as well as is neglected from forming part of the official national discourse when speaking on the Sindhi language as well as the historical evolution of the province. Shaikh Ayaz’s genius, though acknowledged, is not celebrated the way it deserves. The group hosts meetings in different parts of the city to introduce a democratic platform to unearth the city and its multiple intersections of art and politics. Held on a breezy Sunday evening, the organisers, the Karachi Art Anti-University, are an independent group of individuals who gather to “politicise art education and collectively explore new radical pedagogies and art practices”.
KARACHI: The Frere Hall gardens were perfect place to host a discussion on the poetics of Shaikh Ayaz, one of the greatest voices to have originated from Sindh.Ī gathering of an intimate group of artists, artisans and poetry lovers came together to hear the life and times of a revolutionary poet, whose romantic verses are as much appreciated, as narrated by his son, Moonis Shaikh Ayaz.
