Continuing the artsy journey

artFrom being home to different religions, languages and cultures, to sporting a natural harbour, the cultural and historical value of the city of lights has died down under the weight of violence and unrest. This is the reason why people are constantly trying to elevate the city in different ways - be it its infrastructure, culture or art. This has been materialised by one of the few initiatives such as Karachi Biennale (KB), whose second edition is round the corner. Recently, the event was launched in a ceremony where all the faces behind this creative event appeared. The ceremony was organised at the residence of late Habib Fida Ali- KBT Patron. The audience witnessed an exclusive documentary on the eminent architect’s contribution to art and architecture. Young film student Zahra Mansoor has researched and created the documentary. “The KB19 will bring together innovation, excellence and criticality through a multiplicity of curatorial strategies to showcase artists from Pakistan to the world as well as strengthen a regional art exchange”, said Niilofur Farrukh - Managing Trustee of Karachi Biennale Trust and CEO of KB19 in her welcoming remarks at the Launch Reception of KB19. The event gave a glimpse into important features of the Second Karachi Biennale KB19 that will take place in October 2019.The theme of KB19 is Ecology with emphasis on coastal ecology. Artists from all over Pakistan and abroad will interpret the theme to start conversations on the urgency of environmental degradation. This theme has been inspired by the threat to Karachi’s ecology manifested in the heat waves, water scarcity and pollution that the city dwellers face every day. “KB19 is creating a first ever opportunity for Pakistani artists to engage with ecology on such a large scale. Their work will address the concerns and sensitise the audience. KB19 will carry out an exchange with national and international platforms to introduce new knowledge to harness eco-friendly changes in everyday life,” Niilofur added.KB19’s Curator- Muhammad Zeeshan while giving a presentation said, “Human nature contains a dichotomy: being reliant on, and fearing the natural world. To reconcile with this conflict, humans have attempted to sanitise nature. The curatorial lens is interested in going beyond the rudimentary, emphasising the role of ecology in the choreography of daily life.”KB19 looks to take these concerns, Karachi’s and the world’s, into the space that the public already occupies. A particularly exciting audience, Karachi’s population will face these galling concerns in their native city through unexpected, unconventional mediums and venues. Karachi Biennale has declared itself a Green Biennale with the responsibility to minimise its carbon footprint by using eco-friendly material,” added Zeeshan.Especial Guest at the event Zohra Hussain, doyenne of the Karachi art scene, a keen art collector and Founder Director Chawkhandi Art spoke on the development of art scene in Karachi to which she has been an active participant for the last 40 years and Karachi Biennale as an important addition.— Mubashir Ahmed 

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