Letter from Editor in Chief

This month marks ArtNow’s 5^th Anniversary, further cementing our presence as a literary oeuvre for contemporary art within Pakistan. Appreciation and understanding of contemporary art is increasing fast and we have tried to contribute through documenting, assessing and archiving 5 years of contemporary art within the country and the international diaspora on a monthly basis. Each issue covers a fresh new topic with essays and photo essays, profiles, interviews, studio visits, reviews and news from galleries around the world.

Once again for 3 years running, ArtNow organized the Art Sections at the Karachi and Islamabad Literature Festivals 2016. Feedback from attendees at both events this year was extremely positive, with many agreeing that the Art Sections continue to be an exciting development, adding both depth and dimension to these dynamic and energetic festivals.

ArtNow once again marked its presence at Art Dubai, the leading art fair of the Middle East, South Asian and North Africa region, as a media partner of the fair. The 3^rd ArtNow Achievement award was presented to artist Imran Qureshi at the Terrace Talks. ArtNow tries to bring together cultural figures in developing strategies to promote arts and culture and harness the arts as a means to rethink historical and cultural narratives.

We at ArtNow, bring Pakistani culture to the attention of an international audience , promote contemporary artists worldwide, and subsequently develop a more nuanced image of Pakistan – all of which requires communication and creating a cultural dialogue, both in person and online.

As 2017 fast approaches, the year so far has seen many exciting exhibitions, festivals and achievements for the art community.

Throughout the month, FOMMA Trust will be showcasing exciting exhibitions with young artists and photographers. Starting the week off with ‘Imitation of Life’ a 3 person show featuring Nazia Akram, Jaffer hasan and Haseeb Amjad. After which FOMMA Trust in collaboration with Matteela Films will present a 3 day exhibition titled ‘Art Subka? Pakistani cinema Revisited’. The event is one of many small preludes to the upcoming Karachi Film Festival. Rounding off October with a 2 person show called ‘He Said. She Said’. Mark your calendars and be sure to visit all 3 shows!

As usual the city was abuzz with a plethora of art events. This year the ‘Magnum Chocolate Party’ aimed to curate a relationship between art and fashion through chocolate. The collaboration was curated by Sameera Raja who displayed the works of multiple artists at the event taking inspiration from Surrealism and specifically Dali. Canvas Gallery itself showcased the works of Safdar Ali and Irfan Hasan. Miniaturist Naveed Sadiq’s superb show at Sanat was an ode to the ustaad shagird relationship. Check out ArtNow’s Review section for a more in depth virtual tour of exhibitions around the city.

On the international front Pakistani artist Waqas Khan participated in a group show ‘Décor’, at Fondation Boghossian – Vila Empain, Brussels, Belgium. It is always interesting to follow Waqas’s career trajectory. We wish him continued success! The Frieze London also commences this month bringing together more than 160 of the world’s leading galleries, alongside the fair’s celebrated non-profit programme of ambitious new artist commissions and talks. Young artists Fatima Munir and Shanzay Subzwari will also be showing at the Moniker Art Fair during frieze week.

The Lahore Biennale Foundation (LBF) is pleased to see one of its key projects, Intersections – Where the Bus Stops, realized successfully and ready to be officially inaugurated. The project has not only catered to the citizenry’s dire need for well-equipped bus stops along the main transport routes in Lahore, but has also served to connect art with the public. The project launched officially online on September 30th 2016 and LBF is thankful to the Government of Punjab for their immense support, along with all of its partners and the wonderful team of architects whose designs have come to fruition.

With deadlines fast approaching and various exciting events in the pipeline, team LBF in collaboration with VASL & Goethe Institut is looking forward to welcoming Honi Ryan and Miro Craemer, the resident artists who are part of the Urbanities – Artist Residency Program, in Lahore and Karachi in mid-October. The residency officially begins on October 29th, simultaneously in Lahore and Karachi. The next artSPEAK is centered around the idea of “text”, and will discuss it with reference to the city and art.

I would like to thank all our readers, writers, artists and contributors for their unwavering support throughout our 5 year journey. We hope to continue to grow and cultivate our intimate relationship as productive members of the contemporary arts in Pakistan. I also look forward to your feedback and suggestions, so we may strive to ensure and upkeep a well-rounded and articulate online presence.

Bye for NOW.