Written by: Uzma Khateeb
Posted on: April 11, 2018 | 
| 中文
(L-R) Somayeh Bardai, Farah Mahbub, Jamal Ashiqain, Tapu Javeri, Nomaan Bhatti and Abbrar Cheema in the session 'The Evolution of Art through the Lens'
Amid the sprawling lawns of Beach Luxury Hotel, the first ever Karachi Art Festival (KAF) kicked off last weekend, with an aim to bring art into the public domain. Following in the footsteps of the Karachi Biennale, KAF featured accessible platforms for art interactivity, including segments of art display and sale, discourse, live mural painting, caricature workshops and installations.
With a keynote speech by Hameed Haroon, CEO Dawn Media Group, the program commenced on Saturday morning. Art critics, historians, collectors and curators could be seen among the audience, with a number of impressive panelists including Anwar Rammal, Marjorie Husain, Nimra Khan, Amra Ali, Dr Asif Furrukhi, Dr Arjumand Faisel, Quddus Mirza, Khalid Rahman, Chitra Pritam, Maryam Rasul, Zehra Laila Javeri, Somayeh Bardai, Abbrar Cheema, Farah Mahbub and Jamal Ashiqain.
A brainchild of Mr Tauqeer Muhajir, Editor of Nigaah Magazine, KAF is all about the inclusion of general public and as the day progressed, streams of visitors were seen pouring in; school children, toddlers, elders and youth alike. It was heartening to see the young students admiring art, and coming in contact with great artists present at the venue.
Over the two days, the art discourse continued from morning till evening. Some intellectually absorbing discussions turned out to be of great interest for art students and aspiring artists including, “Interpretation of Art through the Critic’s Eye,” and “The Evolution of Art through the Lens.” “Art as an Investment,” turned out to be an exciting debate where the panel of art collectors such as Dr Tariq Bukhari, Orooj Ahmed Ali and Waqar Malik shared their experiences of gaining profits manifold, through paintings bought years back. Adeela Suleman, Head of Fine Arts Department at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVSAA), however, dwelled upon art investment as an aesthetic journey rather than accumulation of riches. In the panel, “Institutionalizing Art,” artist Amin Gulgee and Tabinda Chinoy voiced the urgent need for art museums for the general public. They welcomed the initiative taken by Jamil Naqsh Museum, which provides a platform for public to view artworks of great artists.
“A sitting with Feica,” with Nauman Nabi Ahmed, turned out to be an engrossing session with Feica drawing live caricatures, and throwing light on his journey in cartoons. Signed cartoons by Feica were distributed among the audience. “Art and Rumi” was another entertaining session, in which Rasheed Noorani, Director Continual Studies, IVSAA kept the audience amused with his eloquent narration of Rumi’s poetry. Dr Alia Imam also spoke at length about the significance of Rumi’s thoughts and philosophy in our lives. The whirling dervishes painted by artist Khusro Subzwari, inspired by Rumi, were displayed in the background.
“Naqoosh by Hast o Neest,” was a session highlighting Islamic art, and its evolution into contemporary art. Dr Waleed Ziad and Dr Fransisco Jose Luis, professors from Habib University, and Rizwanullah Khan from Karachi University spoke eloquently about languages, arts, architecture, philosophy and metaphysics.
The last session on, “The Significance of an Art Degree,” chaired by Danish Ahmed, Associate Professor from IVSAA, Professor Bhai Khan Shar from MUET, Jamshoro, Mahreen Zuberi from Karachi University, Professor R.M. Naeem from NCA, Anis Imran Zuberi from Karachi School of Art and Professor Shehnaz Ismail from IVSAA, received huge applause as they provided expert guidance for aspiring artists and students.
A posthumous tribute was paid to artists including Shakeel Siddiqui, whose realistic work was appreciated by the audience and the panel alike. The book launch of “Message Sent, the Life and Work of Adil Salahuddin,” was also well-received by the public.
Some of the entertaining sessions included Dastaan Goeey by Fawad Khan, “Fishermen Dance” by Pakistan National Council of Arts, and Pecha Kucha posthumous tribute to legendary artists.
One of the major segments that continued to draw large numbers was the art display by many art galleries inside the halls, coupled with the Jamil Naqsh museum. Works of emerging and established artists were up for sale. A special dark room featured the work of Karachi School of Art titled, “Déjà vu Chronicles.” The work showed a kaleidoscopic spectrum of lights on whirling vertex, like chakras in a hologram.
The grand finale feature of KAF was the art auction, where works of Khusro Subzwari, A.S. Rind, Shanzay Subzwari, Syed A. Irfan, Akram Spaul were auctioned to raise funds for scholarships. The students of IVSAA had also painted a mural at the venue, that was later auctioned, with proceeds being donated by Nigaah Magazine to needy art students.
An increased stress on art for the public reflects a global movement to bring art to the people, taking it out of the white cube i.e. the galleries. Through KAF, art became more accessible to the general public, who got a chance to interact with works of art as well as the artists. The art scene of Karachi is burgeoning with the support and efforts of a few dedicated individuals, such as the team behind Nigaah Art Magazine. Hopefully the festival will continue to take place in the years to come.
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