On Paradise

Lost edens, hoped for utopias. The idea that a better place exists haunts the human imagination.

Paradise takes form in the mind: an expression of longing, a vision that sustains, light in the darkness. Oxford-based artist, Saad Qureshi, invites people to describe what paradise represents or looks like to them, and translates their hopes and dreams into sculptural mindscapes. On Paradise features recent and newly-commissioned works by Qureshi, including pieces inspired by the paradisial imaginings of communities and Humanities scholars in Oxford. Curated by anthropologist Paul Basu, Qureshi’s remarkable works are animated sonically through a collaboration with the sound artist Tim Cowie. In addition to the main exhibition in the Schwarzman Centre’s White Box, Qureshi has made a series of smaller works installed in each of the University’s museums.

Part of Utopia Now!, a season exploring the role of the arts in making a better future possible.

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