Karachi celebrates global creativity

'Peace & Pieces' exhibition brings world, local artists together, transforming city into a vibrant cultural hub

KARACHI:

The fourth edition of the international art exhibition 'Peace & Pieces' was inaugurated on Thursday by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, as part of the ongoing 39-day World Culture Festival 2025. The event was held at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery and drew a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts from across the city.

Mayor Wahab described Karachi as a city of "love and hospitality," home to nearly 30 million residents, and lauded the festival for transforming the city into a hub of cultural activity. He expressed gratitude to Arts Council President Ahmad Shah for bringing together both local and international artists to celebrate creativity.

The exhibition features works by globally acclaimed artists such as Kelechi Nwaneri from Nigeria, Adjaratou Ouedraogo from Burkina Faso, and Greek artists Sofia Maria Xenaki and Aglaia Perraki, alongside prominent Pakistani names including Amin Gulgee, Akram Spaul, Basil Habib, Hamza Qazi, and Haider Ali Naqvi. The diverse collection spans multiple styles and mediums, reflecting a fusion of cultural expressions.

The inauguration was also attended by Marc Piton, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy, alongside a large audience of visual arts enthusiasts. Mayor Wahab highlighted the role of cultural exchange in fostering global understanding, stating that collaboration between local and international artists demonstrates how art can unite communities.

In addition to celebrating art, the Mayor announced plans to replace city wall advertisements with murals in partnership with French muralists, and confirmed that renovation work has begun at the long-closed Faizy Rameen Auditorium. "This is the Karachi I heard about in my childhood: full of life, culture, and creativity," he remarked.

'Peace & Pieces' will remain open throughout the festival, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and engage with the public, reinforcing Karachi's position as a vibrant centre for art and culture.