- Waheeda Baloch, from Jamshoro, has been appointed as the first female curator for the Karachi Biennale’s fourth edition (KB24), marking a historic milestone.
- Her dedication to showcasing artists in Sindh’s outskirts has established her as an influential figure, aligning with KB’s mission to challenge norms and promote experimentation.
- The Karachi Biennale has been transformative in redefining art perceptions in Pakistan, encouraging diverse mediums, inclusivity, and gender diversity in the art scene.
The Karachi Biennale Trust has announced the appointment of Waheeda Baloch, hailing from Jamshoro, as the curator for the fourth edition of the Karachi Biennale( KB24).
Notably, she will be the first female curator in the history of the Karachi Biennale.
Niilofur Farrukh, the CEO and Managing Trustee of KBT, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Waheeda Baloch on board.
Her steadfast dedication to spotlighting artists working in the outskirts of Sindh has established her as an influential figure in the field. Her keen interest in advancing art research, coupled with her interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, consistently offers fresh perspectives.
KB, with its mission to showcase art that challenges contemporary norms and provides a platform for experimentation, eagerly anticipates collaborating with her to fulfil our objectives.”
Waheeda Baloch, originally from Mirpurkhas, Sindh, a region steeped in artistic heritage, has familial ties to literary circles. Her curatorial practice is enriched by her experiences as both an art educator and a performance artist.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Curation from Stockholm University, Sweden, a pursuit that followed her Master’s in Fine Arts from Sindh University. Presently, she serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Art and Design, Sindh University, and is pursuing her PhD at the University of Bonn, Germany.
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Waheeda Baloch is the Founder Curator of ArtFest Karachi, hosted at the Sambara Art Gallery. She conceived the framework for this annual exhibition, which has created a platform for artistic and intellectual dialogue among Pakistani artists, establishing it as a non-profit gallery. Her portfolio also includes numerous national and international exhibitions.
Her special interest in discussions related to art history and theory is evident through her regular organization of panels and seminars, as well as her presentation of research papers at national and international conferences. Her articles are frequently featured in books and periodicals.
The Karachi Biennale, often referred to as KB, is a prestigious art event held in the vibrant city of Karachi, Pakistan. It serves as a significant platform for contemporary art, bringing together artists, curators, and art enthusiasts from all over the world. Established to challenge conventional artistic boundaries, the Karachi Biennale has played a transformative role in reshaping people’s perceptions of art in Pakistan.
Through its dynamic exhibitions and installations, KB has effectively pushed the boundaries of what art can be in the Pakistani context. It has encouraged artists to explore new frontiers, experiment with diverse mediums, and tackle pressing social and cultural issues. The Biennale’s emphasis on questioning the times and providing a space for artistic experimentation has not only elevated the status of contemporary art in Pakistan but also contributed to a deeper understanding of art’s role in society.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Karachi Biennale is its commitment to inclusivity. By showcasing art in public spaces and engaging with local communities, it has brought art out of traditional gallery settings and made it accessible to a broader audience. This approach has helped break down barriers between the art world and the general public, fostering a sense of ownership and appreciation for art among ordinary Pakistanis.
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Furthermore, the appointment of Waheeda Baloch as the first female curator for KB24 represents a significant milestone in promoting gender diversity in the field of art curation. This reflects the Biennale’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the art scene.
In essence, the Karachi Biennale has played a pivotal role in challenging, expanding, and democratising the art landscape in Pakistan. It has ignited conversations, provoked thoughts, and fostered a greater appreciation for art as a means of expression, reflection, and societal change. As it continues to evolve and grow, the Karachi Biennale remains a beacon of artistic innovation, pushing the boundaries of what art can achieve in Pakistan and beyond.
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