In early 2020, Rachid Koraïchi, exhibited a set of 80 lithographs at the Lahore Museum as part of the second Lahore Biennial. This large piece was produced as a demonstration project for students at the prestigious National College of Arts, next door. For some years now, Koraïchi has been creating a cemetery in Zarzis, Tunisia, The Garden of Africa, as a memorial resting place for migrants of all nationalities and religions who have drowned crossing the Mediterranean, and whose bodies have washed ashore. Amongst these unknown souls from all over the world are many from Pakistan, some perhaps from Lahore.

A great circle surrounded by interweaving waves of water represents the entry point to another world. Within this circle stands an isolated figure caught at a symbolic crossroads, suggesting the idea of a traveller having left home in search of something, who arrives at a place of destiny where their earthly journey ends. The surrounding symbols of hearts, talismans and other signs graphically depict their final resting place within Le Jardin d’Afrique, surrounded by its walls, tombs, gardens and chapels of prayer. Other figures, which the artist calls “prieurs” – people in the act of praying – represent others performing ceremonies of departure prior to setting off on similar journeys, and people who still pray for the safe arrival of those already departed. The blue ink of the engraving suggests the ever-present sea and the restful colours of a land fairer than this one.