Karachi Biennale, dubbed by its organisers as ‘the largest international contemporary art event,’ is all set to take place this year from October 26 to November 12, 2019.
KB17 thought us how to not only look at the city in a different manner but also reminded us of its real and often forgotten history.
The theme explored in 2017 was ‘WITNESS’ where 140 artists from Pakistan and across the globe participated in different exhibitions.
Held at multiple venues, it reminded us that Jamshed Memorial Hall, for instance, located at MA Jinnah Road was first established in 1910 and named after Karachi’s first mayor, Jamshed Nusserwanjee or that it was rebuild where it stands today in 1955.
This year, the theme is ‘ZOOLOGY’ which sounds like a buzzword that has been going around but its’ much more, because (a) we’re talking about the city of Karachi and (b) how it is represented by artists participating in KB19.
Karachi Biennale is held, once every two years and after Amin Gulgee as ‘chief curator’ in 2017, this year’s event is being curated by Muhammad Zeeshan.
Seven venues are a part of this year’s Karachi Biennale. Among them are V.M Gallery, Karachi Zoo, NED Campus, Alliance Francaise, Frere Hall, IVS Gallery and Bagh Ibne Qasim.
At a time when gentrification of the city’s history is clear and present, Karachi Biennale 2019 is more than a space for art. It is how the glorious city of Karachi may not fall apart.
All exhibitions will be free and open to the public.
