Noreen Ali is an artist originally from Pakistan, currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Copenhagen. She is passionate about rethinking and decolonizing the food system, with a focus on the potential of “Symbioscene-ry”, which advocates for symbiotic, multispecies co-existence. At NXT, we are excited to welcome Noreen Ali as an intern this fall, where she will help us explore how to advance the valuable tools developed through The Garden Caretaker project in Herlev.
“In a globalized world, my art reminds us of the often overlooked, yet deeply flavourful, stories that await rediscovery in our own backyards.”
Noreen Ali
Stepping into a warm, solarium-like bubble, where two figures in vivid orange overalls stood like sentinels. The atmosphere felt otherworldly, almost dreamlike. Donning headphones, we were guided by these artists in orange suits to re-experience the construction site just beyond the bubble. Through their audio instructions, the scaffolding of the Herlev site transformed—inviting us to listen, observe, and feel the pulse of the environment more intimately.
“Symbioscene-ry envisions a landscape that is not centred around humans, but instead, a future where all species—including humans—coexist equitably.”
Noreen Ali
I’m eager to explore the potential of “Symbioscene-ry” within my artistic and research practices. Symbioscene-ry envisions a landscape that is not centred around humans, but instead, a future where all species—including humans—coexist equitably. It’s a horizon that acknowledges and embraces the presence and importance of all life forms, creating a shared scenery of connection and balance.
“By celebrating the flavours that reflect our deep connection to land and heritage, I encourage a return to the richness of our culinary roots.”
Noreen Ali
I began my artistic journey in my home country, Pakistan, studying at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to both my studio practice and teaching, where I combine art, play, and ecological thinking. Now pursuing a dual master’s in visual studies and art education in Finland and Denmark, I sought out NXT for my research project, drawn to The Garden Caretaker initiative.
“I advocate for symbiotic, multispecies co-existence, addressing the grief, anxiety, and desensitization we face in the Anthropocene while amplifying the silent vulnerabilities of the more-than-human world.”
Noreen Ali
As an artist, I actively imagine new ways of being real and fictional transcending the limitations of human-centred perspectives. I advocate for symbiotic, multispecies co-existence, addressing the grief, anxiety, and desensitization we face in the Anthropocene while amplifying the silent vulnerabilities of the more-than-human world. My practice draws attention to the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and the capitalist structures that shape our planet’s crises, emphasizing that these cannot be understood in isolation.
One area I’ve been particularly passionate about is rethinking our relationship with food—specifically, the importance of consuming locally sourced, culturally resonant ingredients. By celebrating the flavours that reflect our deep connection to land and heritage, I encourage a return to the richness of our culinary roots. In a globalized world, my art reminds us of the often overlooked, yet deeply flavourful, stories that await rediscovery in our own backyards.
Continuing my journey as an artist, art educator and researcher, I remain committed to exploring alternative equitable futures for all species. Through artistic practice, I seek to inspire a reawakening, a gentle call to rethink our bond with the world around us, rediscovering the delicate thread of coexistence.
Artwork by Noreen Ali
@noreenalii