Security Barriers

Inkjet Prints

11" x 16"

2008

In this series of vector drawings, Bani Abidi illustrates an increasingly common feature of the landscape of our cities, in this instance of her native Karachi. Security barriers - ubiquitous signs of the apparatus of state power - are extracted by the artist from their surroundings and digitally rendered. Using the visual language of technical illustrations, they pose as a folio of design samples, bringing to mind images in sales catalogues. The captions accompanying these drawings, however, indicate that the barriers were recorded in particular locations of the city, alluding instead to a visual archive, that plots the geography of the city by its barricades.

The barriers range from models A-L, each with its own particular function. Type C, is intended only to block vehicles but the viewer can note that its ingenious design allows people to pass through. The larger, concrete structures have a more sinister implication. They protect foreign consulates, notably American and European, ostensibly from kamikaze car bombers. The design for Type L, found outside the British High Commission, thoughtfully includes a flourishing planter. The shipping container finds a new purpose, blocking entire roads when necessary. The increased vulnerability of particular groups, allows for more visible barriers to be installed without question, perpetuating the notion that 'safety' is found behind closed doors and electrified fences. Abidi has observed unique designs for barriers, in several cities and now plans to complete the alphabetical set - a design bible for the powers that be.

- Nada Raza (Extract from Catalogue Essay)