Karachi Biennale Trust has announced the launch of the fourth edition of the Karachi Biennale (KB24) under the theme Rizq/Risk, focusing on the global foodscape and its urgent challenges. The event, set to run from October 27 for two weeks, will showcase works by over 40 artists from 10 countries. Their contributions, including installations, performances, videos, and paintings, will be displayed at five locations across Karachi, with free entry for the public. This year’s theme responds to the increasing challenges faced by Pakistan due to recent floods and heatwaves, both of which have had severe effects on food security.
The aim is to encourage reflection on these issues, sparking conversations on colonial and neoliberal food policies that prioritize profit over hunger and the environment. The artists’ works will also emphasize the importance of indigenous knowledge and the vital role women play in preserving traditional food practices.
NiilofurFarrukh, Managing Trustee of the Karachi Biennale Trust (KBT), stated, “Through art, we can approach difficult subjects that impact our lives and bring awareness to their complexities. Rizq/Risk aims to bring together the global urgency of food security and the collective struggle for food justice. With the tagline ‘Naifasalkiumeed’ (in the hope of a new harvest), we hope to inspire solutions and spark hope through the exhibitions.” Almas Bana, a key supporter of the Biennale, acknowledged the role of philanthropists, corporate houses, and government bodies in providing venues and resources.
The Sindh Cultural Department, in particular, has offered Sambara Art Gallery as a venue since 2022. Curator Waheeda Baloch elaborated on her interpretation of Rizq/Risk, shaped by her upbringing in Sindh and international experience in Sweden and Germany.
This unique perspective enables her to address the broader implications of food security and the risks associated with it. In addition to the art on display, KB24 will feature several art prizes, including the KB24 Juried Prize, the KB24 EBM Emerging Artist Prize, and the Performance Art Prize, recognizing artistic excellence. Public programming will also include artist talks, guided tours, workshops, and a temporary reading room at BaghIbneQasim.
A special tribute, Palestinian Artists Live in our Hearts, will be displayed at BaghIbneQasim. This exhibition features fabric-based works by art students from across Pakistan and honors the courage of artists in Gaza.
