Asheer Akram · The Pakistani Cargo Truck Initiative

Asheer Akram’s work is greatly informed by his travels abroad in 2010, which were funded by a Lighton International Artists Exchange Program grant. He was particularly struck by the intricately decorated cargo trucks he encountered in Pakistan. After returning, Akram had an idea to create an American hybrid of a Pakistani cargo truck. He created The Pakistani Cargo Truck Initiative, an elaborately decorated grain truck, with the help of many other artists. Akram hopes that his work will foster dialogues that lead to greater cultural understanding. He received his BFA in sculpture from the Kansas City Art Institute.

The Pakistani Cargo Truck was sited at numerous locations around metropolitan Kansas City, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. At the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Akram parked the Truck near the entrance to the museum - where it remained for the duration of the event/installation.