Karachi Biennale 2019 opens at Bagh Ibne Qasim

Artworks curated around the theme of ecology this year

KARACHI: For an event which pledges a thematic allegiance to the growing importance of ecology, the hanging gardens of Bagh Ibne Qasim served as a fitting location for the Karachi Biennale 2019’s inauguration ceremony. The gardens, and the swarm of birds which glide above them, provide momentary respite amidst the concrete carcasses of Karachi, something which Nilfour Farrukh, the CEO of the Karachi Biennale 2019, was quick to point out as one of the central themes of the biennale. Introduced by master of ceremonies, Ayesha Tammy Haq, as “the woman who would have long solved Brexit if Boris Johnson had her on his team,” Farrukh spoke about how the rapid urbanisation of Karachi and construction of high rise buildings has resulted in the loss of many low flying birds in the city.

Yet, for Farrukh, there is still reason to remain optimistic about the future of the metropolis since for her “Karachi is one of the most courageous cities in the world.” Fortunately though, it seems that the biennale’s commitment to the central premise of ecology is more than just a cursory tipping of the hat. Farrukh stated that the organisers have tried to ensure that the biennale leaves a low carbon footprint and is sustainable in nature - whether this noble aim has been achieved, however, remains to be seen.

Contrastingly, Muhammad Zeeshan, the curator of this year’s biennale, chose to spend little time pontificating upon the theme which underpins the event since in his opinion, “the work of the artists will do that for us.” Zeeshan did however thank the chief guest of the ceremony, Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar, who mercifully arrived on time. According to Zeeshan, Akhtar played an instrumental role in ensuring that several of the outdoor locations turn into temporary art venues, thus helping bring art to the people of the city. For Akhtar, the fact that the inauguration ceremony was being held at Bagh Ibne Qasim held additional meaning because, as he said, the park has long been a “special project” of his and he was thrilled to see his work paying dividends. The three public outdoors spaces which have installations, Bagh Ibne Qasim, Gandhi Gardens and the gardens of Frere Hall, were provided for the biennale through the efforts of Akhtar and his team in an attempt to bring art out of the gallery spaces so that the masses engage with the art.

Three awards were also handed out at the event, with Arsalan Nasir nabbing the Emerging Artist Award. Akram Dost Baloch, a stalwart of Pakistan’s artistic landscape, flew in from Quetta to receive a much deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. The Jury Prize for the Karachi Biennale 2019 was given to Rashid Rana for his deceptively simple yet deeply affecting work currently on display at the Frere Hall. Ultimately, if there was one instance from the evening which effectively captured the central ethos of the Karachi Biennale it was perhaps when Amin Gulgee burst on stage and announced, ”Art is for everyone, not just the elite!” One hopes that the biennale will prove this to be true.