KARACHI: As the Karachi Biennale 2017 (KB17) continued exhibiting art displays by local and international artists at 12 venues across the city, its flagship project Reel on Hai added yet another colourful cable reel to the city with “Chakarkar”.
The programme will be taking place every day until the end of the Biennale at the weekend.
Chakarkar, a cable reel designed by the National College of Arts graduate Abrar Qazi was launched at the Karachi Zoo. The design of the cable reel is inspired by the wheel of life, which needs to be run by courage, hard work and honesty. It is a functional art installation with the reel converting into a stall with necessary fixtures and spaces.
The Reel on Hai project, by the Public Outreach Committee of the Karachi Biennale has invited artists, designers and architects to transform empty cable reels into art pieces. These projects – supported by the Pakistan Cables Ltd and ICI Dulux – have been installed in schools, parks, hospitals and universities all over Karachi, with the aim of engaging the public.
The locations covered by Reel on Hai are Orangi Pilot Project, St Patricks Cathedral, Jinnah hospital, Customs House, Alliance Francaise, Beach Luxury Hotel, Greenwich University, Safari Park, Fomma, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Moin Khan Academy, KMC sports complex, Hill Park, IBA university campus, Civilizations school, National Museum, ABSA School, Pakistan Institute of Labor Education and Research, Karachi Central Jail, DHA College and Karachi Zoo.
KB17 shall continue public engagement programmes with a series of important activities lined up this week. On Wednesday, November 1, artist Roohi Ahmed shall be giving the guided tour of artwork at the Jamshed Memorial Hall and NJV High School. On Thursday, November 2, there will be a screening of Althea Thauberger’s project at the Capri Cinema. Following this is the Pecha Kucha Emerging Artists Intensive on Friday, November 3. Shortlisted from a pool of 80 artists from around the country, ten finalists will present their work in the unique Pecha Kucha format.
Voting for KB17 Shahneela and Farhan Faruqi Popular Choice Art Prize is also open to the public. Every venue has ballot boxes where visitors over 18 years of age can vote for their favourite work of art. The award will be presented to the winner at the conclusion of the Karachi Biennale on November 5, 2017.
