Asim Waqif studied architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, and shortly after graduation he turned his focus to a dedicated art-practice. He has worked in sculpture, video, photography and site-specific public installation. Many of his permanent sculptures and temporary installations in India and throughout Asia including exhibitions at Khoj, New Delhi (2008), Hong Kong Art fair (2010) have been constructed with bamboo. Considered a pedestrian material in India because of its abundance, Waqif draws on the multiple ways in which bamboo is used in India, including scaffolding for construction projects, etc.

The use of bamboo underscores Waqif’s interest in innovative constructions using traditional, local materials (vernacular architecture) as well as his ongoing concern for environmental sustainability. However following invitations to create site-specific works in Europe, where bamboo is not a common material, Waqif turned his attention to the solid waste management systems in the cities he visited. This led to the use of more unconventional materials such as discarded wood panels, wiring, metal, steal and plastic waste. He has created site-specific installations for the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, France (2012), the 8th Asia Pacific Triennial in Brisbane, Australia (2013), among others.