Welcome to the February issue, Home is Where the Art Is This month, we bring you an in-depth essay by Malaika Rahimtoola, insightful rev
Welcome to the February issue, Home is Where the Art Is
This month, we bring you an in-depth essay by Malaika Rahimtoola, insightful reviews from our contributors across various cities, and extensive coverage of significant exhibitions in our blog section, ensuring that nearly all major gallery shows are highlighted.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Imran Qureshi for reaching another milestone with his captivating installation at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Commissioned by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the installation is brought to life under the curation of artist Muhannad Shono and associate curator Joanna Chevallier. Together, they have crafted a powerful artistic statement that bridges historical traditions with contemporary interpretations of spirituality and art. The installation will be on display until May 25, 2025—a must-visit for anyone seeking an immersive blend of culture, history, and contemporary art.
I would also like to congratulate Abid Aslam, who has just completed his art residency in Spain producing remarkable works that extend his thematic explorations. We eagerly await the showcase of his creations from this residency period.
The year has begun with some major exhibitions in Karachi’s art scene. Bushra Waqas Khan and Masooma Syed presented compelling works at Canvas Gallery, while Chawkandi Art Gallery hosted Hamzaad, a solo show and a group show titled Kehkeshan e Neesti, both are extraordinary shows curated by an art critic, curator and an art educator Amra Ali.
Turning to the international art calendar the highly anticipated Sharjah Biennale is set to open on February 6th, featuring over 200 artists from around the world. Meanwhile, Art Dubai 2025 is gearing up for its mid-year launch. Congratulations to the newly selected curators of this year’s edition:
Magalí Arriol – An esteemed art critic and Director at Museo Tamayo, Mexico, known for her work on international projects, including the Mexican Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale. Dr Nada Shabout – An Art History Professor at the University of North Texas, whose research and teaching confront the historical neglect of modern and contemporary art from the Arab world. She will be curating Art Dubai Modern. Mirjam Varadinis – A writer and Curator-at-Large at Kunsthaus Zürich, renowned for her innovative curatorial approaches and evolving formats of contemporary exhibitions. She will be curating Bawwada, Gonzalo Herrero Delicado – The curator for Art Dubai Digital, bringing his expertise in digital art and innovative exhibition-making.
Mark your calendars for Feb 12th as Naiza Khan, a celebrated artist, will be talking about her work Beyond Karachi: field notes from the edge of the ocean. From the reading of the field notes, the artist explores the historical side of the land and ecology. Looking forward to the talk !
The opening of the Gulgee Museum this month is fantastic news for art lovers. Ismail Gulgee, one of South Asia’s most celebrated artists, made a profound impact with his dynamic and expressive calligraphic works. His artistic legacy, rooted in a fusion of traditional Islamic calligraphy and abstract expressionism, continues to inspire generations. The museum’s opening offers an opportunity to engage with his masterpieces, preserving his contributions to the region’s artistic heritage.
Lastly, congratulations to all the art graduates from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi University, Karachi School of Art, BNU, and NCA! Wishing you all great success as you embark on your artistic journeys.
We keep you updated as best as we can. Here’s to another exciting month in the art world!
