The thematic for KB19 is inspired by ecological consequences of dense urbanization – “Flight Interrupted: Eco-leaks from the Invasion Desk”. The title invokes loss of species of low flying birds wiped out by vertical structures in Karachi that broke their free flight and marginalized life-cycles. KB19 invites artists to challenge mythologies of development cast in concrete, measured in extinct species, wasted bodies, sterile lands and poisoned waters.

Alliance Française de Karachi is a non-profit organization that promotes cultural exchange between Pakistan and France through interdisciplinary discourse by holding exhibitions, performances, lectures, and workshops. Matching the hues of a sunset, the yellow building resembles a Colonial Era villa with a courtyard in the center – a sight that contrasts with the glass and concrete architecture of the metropolis. This was designed by Pakistan’s leading architect Habib Fida Ali in the 1980s. Its Art Gallery has been an important not-for-profit space in Karachi and hosted many important shows since its inception. Recently it was refurbished and renamed Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Art Gallery. It was one of the venues of the first Karachi Biennale.

KB19 artists exhibiting at the Alliance Française de Karachi:

• Alice Kettle

• Ali Kazim

• Waseem Ahmed

• Kiran Saleem

• Sana Arjumand

• Abdullah M.I. Syed

• Sadaf Naeem

• Meher Afroz

• Wolfgang Spahn