An architect who found her calling as a gallery director, Sameera Raja is the moving spirit behind the success of Canvas Gallery, Karachi. A 1990 NCA graduate, Raja, after a brief spell at architectural practice went on to establish the gallery in 1999. In just over a decade, expanding her space, influence and areas of interest/business, she has positioned it among the leading art galleries.

Dealing in modern, miniature and contemporary art the gallery is committed to the discovery, support, development and promotion of Pakistani art and artists from various parts of the country. Making bold, eclectic choices and handling a constantly changing inventory of approximately 1,000 original works by more than 100 established and emerging Pakistani artists keeps Raja on her toes and Canvas on the go.

Internationally recognised, Canvas has also curated Pakistani art shows in the US, UK, the Middle East and the Far East. For perceptive collectors as well as first time buyers Raja offers services that range from general advice to searches for particular pieces—to consultations for individuals, businesses or corporations wishing to start or build their collections. Answers to further questions reveal more about the gallery philosophy and her advice to upcoming artists.

How do you balance the commercial and artistic requirements of running a successful gallery?

If you do anything with passion, faith and conviction, the result is positive. Our primary philosophy is to showcase art and artists that we believe in. It does not necessarily mean that every show is a success in financial terms as success is manifold and relative. Some of our best shows have not sold at all, which does not mean they were unsuccessful. Nor does it take away from the fact that we will still exhibit their work, irrespective of its ‘commercial’ viability.

You have a talent for ferreting out edgy young art. Is there a method in this selection—if so how do you determine your choices?

Ferreting is not a word I would use for being able to spot talent. There is immense talent in the artists of Pakistan. All it requires is the faith to believe in yourself and the artist and to be steadfast in your belief.

We do not wait for the market to determine the calibre of the artist. We believe in our own ability to spot talent and hence do not wait for a green signal from other artists/ critics/ collectors/ curators/ gallery owners/ buyers and others.

By introducing diversity into the regular exhibition schedule you have perked up the normal gallery viewing experience—exhibitions of Deepak Perwani handbags or Vada designer furniture are the cases in point. Are these moves deliberate or inevitable keeping in mind the current atmosphere of fusion between various art disciplines? What is the viewer/buyer response to such exhibitions?

All our shows are consciously thought of and scheduled. A lot of thought process goes into making our annual schedule.

By exhibiting Deepak Perwani's furniture and handbags, and A.J. Gull's furniture line amongst others, we wanted to expand the boundaries of art. We have started taking ourselves too seriously, leaving no room for experimentation. By these shows, Canvas is broadening the predetermined perimeters of art.

The viewer reaction to these shows is diverse: some love it, some hate it. No one is indifferent to it, which is all positive.

As a gallery director what advice would you give to upcoming artists? Work, work and work... diligently, passionately and honestly and the world will be your oyster.

Think long-term and plan how and where you want to see yourself 10 years down the road. Do not think of a short-term approach or aspire to become a millionaire overnight.

Success comes to those who persevere.

What is the relationship between the art market and art production here in Pakistan? Some artists subscribe to the supply and demand of the art market. Canvas, nor its artists, subscribe to this philosophy.