Acknowledging Creative Impact
The Karachi Biennale Trust acknowledged the most evocative exhibits in KB17 by awarding two prestigious art prizes: the KB17 Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation Juried Prize and the KB17 Shahneela and Farhan Faruqi Popular Choice Art Prize.
KB17 Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation Juried Prize
This prestigious juried prize recognized an artist's remarkable contribution to the contemporary dialogues surrounding the city, history, and witness. The award included a cash purse and a custom-designed trophy.
A Lahore-based artist who received his BFA from the National College of Arts, Lahore in 2002 and an MFA from the Slade School of Fine Art, London in 2011.
His untitled installation comprised snakelike forms constructed with human hair. Hair was employed as a medium because it was considered a potent, multilayered tool to comprehend both human identity and physicality.
Award-winning artist Faheem Rao took inspiration from Karachi's resilience through repeated struggles and cycles of renewed optimism.
KB17 Shahneela and Farhan Faruqi Popular Choice Art Prize
The Popular Choice Art Prize provided viewers with an opportunity to intimately engage with and respond to art. The winning artist was recognized during our Closing Ceremony, receiving a cash purse and a bespoke trophy.
Audience cast their votes at KB17's various venues. Shahzia Sikander received her BFA from NCA, Lahore in 1991 and her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1995.
Her video installation, Disruption as Rapture, is informed by the 18th-century epic poem Gulshan-i-Ishq (Garden of Love) and navigates yearning, separation, and connection.
Leading ceramist Shazia Zuberi designed the trophy hearkening back to the rich clay traditions of the ancient Indus Valley Civilizations and their cultural legacies at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
Awards Gallery
