The South Asia Institute in Chicago present “CommonSky,” a new exhibition by Pakistani-Canadian artist Faisal Anwar, running from September 11 through December 13, 2025. The immersive show translates environmental data into sensory experiences that examine humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
Anwar conceived the project during a 2019 residency at Labverde in the Amazon rainforest. The exhibition combines immersive installations, digital prints, video works, and kinetic sculptures, all informed by collaboration with environmental scientists and research institutions.
“I believe Common Sky can unlock new ways of knowing, where knowledge is not just consumed, but felt,” Anwar said. “For me, data becomes powerful when it transforms into lived experience, touches the heart, and inspires meaningful reflection or action.”
The exhibition features several notable works. “Azimuth of Time” is a real-time interactive installation that simulates a living forest, moving viewers from ancient knowledge to a climate-altered future. “Lines That No Longer Hold” presents digital prints in LED light boxes depicting migratory bird patterns across the Americas. “Nest [ ]” is a kinetic sculpture that reimagines a bird’s nest as a responsive system driven by real-time climate data.
“Common Sky is a sensory meditation and medititive on the growing divide between humanity and the natural world,” Anwar explained. “I see art as a portal, not just to reflect, but to rekindle awareness and awaken a more intimate connection with the world we belong to.”
The exhibition was developed with partner scientists including Joe Siegrist of the Purple Martin Conservation Association, Dr. Mario Cohn-Haft of the National Amazonian Research Institute, Dr. Erika Hingst Zaher of the Butantan Institute, Dr. Loren Buck of Northern Arizona University, Dr. Kevin Fraser of the University of Manitoba, and Dr. Jason Fischer of Disney Animals Science and Environment.
Dr. Shireen Ahmad, co-founder of South Asia Institute, emphasized the exhibition’s accessibility. “We hope this exhibition will bring the message to new audiences and spark an awareness among those who might not engage with traditional scientific reports,” she said. “Climate change does not affect everyone equally. The exhibition makes it impossible to ignore these realities.”
Anwar, born in 1970, founded CultureLab, a studio focused on climate change, sustainability, and social impact through immersive installations and data-driven storytelling. He served as chief curator for the 2022 Karachi Biennial and holds a degree in graphic design from the National College of Arts in Lahore.
“We must learn to connect with nature and the ecological network around us,” Anwar said. “When we become part of it and truly care, the Earth will care back.”
The exhibition is supported by the Hundal Foundation, Arts Midwest, Ontario Art Council, and CIBC. The South Asia Institute is located at 1925 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, and is open Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM. Admission is donation-based. Tickets for the artist tour can be purchased at saichicago.org/programs.
Images credit: The South Asia Institute, Chicago
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