Art made from scrap metal goes on display at zoo

Artwork inspired by the ecological consequences of dense urbanization

KARACHI:

A piece of art created by recycled materials depicting a mythical bird Simurgh went on display at Karachi Zoo.

In a ceremony, the Karachi Biennale Trust gifted the art work called Simurgh to the people of Karachi. This work of art by Mohsen Keiyani was created for the second Karachi Biennale, a city-wide international art exhibition, with the support of the British Council.

The art work is 4.5 feet and is made of scrap metal; it depicts a bird and reflects the theme of Karachi Biennale 2019 "Flight Interrupted: Eco-leaks from the Invasion Desk", which is inspired by ecological consequences of dense urbanization.

Through his use of scrap metal, Keiyani highlights the possibilities of creating beauty from recycled material. The artist uses the medium of art to encourage environmental friendly behavior and reflect his own experience of being an immigrant in Birmingham, UK.

The Trustees of the Karachi Biennale Trust were present at the hand-over of the art work to the Karachi Zoo, one of the venues of KB19. The art work will be accessible free of cost to the public who visit the Zoo and play a role in promoting leisure, reflection and well-being among visitors. British Council has remained a committed supporter for the third Karachi Biennale, scheduled for November 2022.

The Third Karachi Biennale KB22 will explore the intersection of art and technology around the theme of 'Collective imagination- now and the next' curated by Faisal Anwar, the acclaimed hybrid art practitioner based in Canada. KB22 begins October 31 and continues for two event-packed weeks till November 14th. This city-wide art event is organised by Karachi Biennnale Trust with its lead partner, Engro Corp.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2022.