The Fourth Karachi Biennale KB24 was inaugurated on October 26, 2024, with a memorable ceremony at the historic Bandstand, Bagh Ibne Qasim. The Bandstand, built in 1920, was illuminated for the event and came alive with live music, evoking memories of its glorious heyday. Guests were introduced to its rich history through a visual presentation projected onto the walls of the Bandstand.
Chief Guest Mayor Murtaza Wahab emphasized the importance of preserving Karachi's heritage and shared his vision for transforming heritage venues like Frere Hall and the Bandstand with music for visitors. The guests included the Sindh Minister of Culture, diplomats, artists, and prominent citizens.
Niilofur Farrukh, Managing Trustee and CEO of Karachi Biennale Trust, welcomed guests to the fourth iteration of the Biennale. She reiterated their commitment to exhibiting museum-quality contemporary art in public spaces and heritage sites, fostering collective memories through the arts.
Inaugural Prize Awards
KB24 Juried Art Prize
Presented by the jurors to the Hunza-based duo Nadeem Al Karimi and Maham Nadeem for their video installation titled The Last Act and Dismantling Life.
KB24 EBM Emerging Artist Prize
Presented to Anusha Khwaja for her proposal Hawah's Garden: Threads of Nature. She was presented with the trophy by Dr. Zeelaf Muneer, CEO of English Biscuits Limited (Pvt), enabling her to develop her project.
Featured Performances
Sheema Kirmani
Pakistani dance maestro presented a special piece exploring the role of women regarding the theme of Rizq | Risk.
Enora Lalet
French artist's performative work Vanishing Creatures featured elaborate costume-crafted items of confectionery, which she handed out to the audience.
Lundahl and Seitl
Sweden-based artists created River Biographies, providing guests with an immersive and blindfolded sensory movement experience.
The vibrant, mela-like atmosphere, illuminated by fairy lights, attracted guests to the video installation of the Tamasha Collective on top of the pier, where they could enjoy kulfi on a stick and paan as part of the festive, sensory experience. During the Inaugural Ceremony, guests also received a special preview of the works installed at Bagh Ibne Qasim.