Karachi witnessed one of the most harmonious, beautiful, and soulful inaugurations of Karachi Biennale 2022 (KB22). This city-wide art event is now ready to welcome the public from 31st October to 13th November.
KB22 explores the beautiful intersection of art and technology and showcases exciting and immersive work on 26 projects by 45 artists from 13 other countries across 9 cultural and heritage sites in Karachi.
The venues are iconic and chosen because of their historic and cultural significance to the city of Karachi.
Featured Artworks at NJV
Attendees received the opportunity to experience the world of literature and indigenous music through exhibits by Dennis Rudolph (Germany), KCR Studio (Pakistan), Amin Gulgee (Pakistan), and Yasir Darya (Pakistan).
Dennis Rudolph, Artwork: Simurgh App
The 200-year-old illustrated copy of Firdousi’s ‘Shahnama’ in the NJV School library is brought to life through Augmented Reality. Rudolph uses his ‘3D’ paintings through the ‘Simurgh App’ to create a new ‘virtual’ way of connecting to one of the longest epic Persian poems, the Shahnamah (977–1010 CE). AR drawings meet the mythical history of Persia’s golden days.
The 200-year-old illustrated copy of Firdousi’s ‘Shahnama’ in the NJV School library is brought to life through AR. Rudolph uses his ‘3D’ paintings through the ‘Simurgh App’ to create a new ‘virtual’ way of connecting to one of the longest epic Persian poems, the Shahnamah). pic.twitter.com/nGoj7vpicW
— WOW360 (@WOW360PK) October 30, 2022
KCR Studio, Artwork : Saaz
‘Saaz’ invites the audience to think about technology and the classical tradition in music. As the digital encroaches further and further into the domain of the physical and the human, can the domain of performance, virtuosity, and the expression of the soul through an instrument remain sacred? What happens if we build a portal between these two domains? Find out at Karachi Biennelle 2022!
WOW360 at #KB22
‘Saaz’ invites the audience to think about technology and the classical tradition in music. As the digital encroaches further and further into the domain of the physical and the human, can the domain of performance, virtuosity, and the expression of the soul? pic.twitter.com/KHpfIE5f9y
— WOW360 (@WOW360PK) October 30, 2022
Amin Gulgee, Artwork: Memory Room
Mr. Amin Gulgee’s artwork entitled ‘Memory Room’ captivated the audience from all walks of life. Moreover, what many individuals do not know is that Mr. Gulgee has used his late mother’s sarees for his exhibition. Furthermore, he has placed turmeric and chilli powder on the shelves because the scents remind him of his mother’s cooking.
— WOW360 (@WOW360PK) October 30, 2022
Yasir Darya, Artwork: Air Rider
‘Air Rider allows users to experience data on air pollution through a live performance. Here, tech meets society, culture, and livability. In real-time, the user connects with streaming live data and interacts with the ‘Air Rider’, making their way on distinct geographic routes throughout the city.
WOW360 at #KB22
Air Rider allows users to experience data on air pollution. Here, tech meets society, culture, and livability. In real-time, the user connects with streaming live data and interacts with the ‘Air Rider’, making their way on distinct geographic routes. pic.twitter.com/qxbhGcVKOA
— WOW360 (@WOW360PK) October 30, 2022
The purpose-driven artworks are not only visually appealing but are also raising awareness about pressing issues that lie within Pakistan and how the country needs to bat an eye toward them.
KB22 Application
To make the KB22 experience out of the box, the Karachi Biennale team has introduced an app.
By downloading the KB22 app, guests can bookmark events, learn about the artists and their exhibitions, learn about the venues throughout the city, and vote for their favourite artworks amongst other features. The application is available for download on the Google Play Store.
Captivating Performances
The magical night hosted close to 300 individuals and started off with a soul-touching performance by Fakir Zulfiqar from Badin. The harmony from his music left a deep imprint on us as we did not want his act to end.
Asides from the melody what stood out the most to us was the instrument played by Zulfiqar, known as the Borindo, which can be dated back to 4,000 years ago. It is made of clay and was resurrected by Zulfiqar’s father and 90-year-old potter Allah Jurrio. He is one of the very few craftsmen in the world who knows the craft of creating the Borindo.
WOW360 at #KB22
Soul-touching performance by Fakir Zulfiqar from Badin playing the Borindo. The harmony from his music left a deep imprint on us as we did not want his act to come to an end. pic.twitter.com/bjV67i7sna
— WOW360 (@WOW360PK) October 30, 2022
Another spectacular performance was planned by Mr Amin Gulgee titled ‘The Forgotten March’ . Amin appreciated the support of the students of the NJV school.
KB22 Recognition Awards
Following the performances, the artists were recognized for their hard work in an appreciation keynote. Moreover, the jury announced 3 prizes at the event including the ‘Emerging Artist Prize’ which was awarded to Bilal Jabbar, ‘Engro Juried Art Prize’ which was awarded to Invisible Flock [UK] (along with Fakir Zulfiqar and Allah Jurrio), and the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award that was given to Mussarat Mirza [Pakistan].
Engro for Art
CEO Engro Corporation Limited, Mr. Ghias Khan addressed all the guests and talked about how throughout existence, mankind has experienced culture through art.
Whether we talk about iconic structures like the Badshahi Mosque, Roman Colosseum, Taj Mahal, or all the beautiful structures that surround us, each one is a piece of art.
He added
“these artworks are telling us something, trying to communicate about the time, the place, the circumstances, in which these structures were made. The canvas of art is ever-expanding, and the intervention of technology is pushing the boundaries. The TikTok phenomenon is one of the many examples through which we can evidently see how technology has an impact on our culture and how art is being redefined because of that.”
— WOW360 (@WOW360PK) October 30, 2022
Engro Corporation Limited is the lead partner for this two-week-long event and has contributed 75 million to Karachi Biennale 2022. As a purpose-driven organization committed to helping solve some of the most pressing issues of Pakistan, Engro Corporation recognizes the positive role of arts, culture and sports in shaping society.
Collective Imagination: Now and the Next at the 3rd Karachi Biennale 2022, curated by Faisal Anwar is free and open to all. It will take place from October 31st to November 13th, at 9 venues across Karachi.
Are you ready to explore art like never before?
Stay tuned to WOW360.