KARACHI: ArtFest Karachi opened at the Sambara Art Gallery on the premises of the Liaquat Memorial Library on Wednesday evening.

More than 100 artists are taking part in the event, both with established credentials and those who are young and have impressed lovers and critics of art in recent times.

Apart from the exhibited pieces, each day from March 25 to 28, one panel discussion will also be held. On Thursday, a group of experts will discuss Meher Afroz’s life and work. On Friday, issues of up-and-coming artists in Sindh will be discussed. On Saturday, evolution of artistic thought and practice will be looked at. And on Sunday, the closing ceremony will take place.

Talking to Dawn, curator of the event Waheeda Baloch said, “We had given a call to the young artists of Sindh to come and put their works on display. The reason is that it is difficult to accommodate a big number of creative souls at one place. [So] for that purpose, I created this space.”

Giving details of the show, she said, “Our focus is on contemporary art. We have tried to bring together the ‘thought’ with which these artists make an effort to express themselves. There are so many artists in Sindh and all have their distinct ideas [alag soch ke hamil hain]. I’ve also selected senior artists for the sole reason that they are an inspiration [for the budding artists]. If their works were here, their younger counterparts would feel encouraged and follow in their footsteps.”

In total, paintings and sculptures of 100 young and six senior artists are on view. Ms Baloch emphasised that the aim of the exhibition is to make the government realise the importance of contemporary art.

The festival has been organised by the Sindh culture department and will conclude on March 28.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2021