‘Galliyon Ke Rang’: A Street Art Festival

Bringing vibrant art from the drawing room to the pathways, a street art festival took place recently at Port Grand in Karachi. Curated by Pomme Amina Gohar, the event was a kaleidoscope of colours and talented artists. Stepping into a world where art meets the streets, the Karachi Street Art Festival celebrated the spirit of Karachi through the canvas of creativity.

From street art masterpieces to digital installations, the festival offered a variety of diverse artistic expressions. Following are a few that stood out the most:

Tribute to My Father – Pomme Amina Gohar

Unravelling everlasting connection and memories through cherished objects, Pomme Amina Gohar pays a heartfelt tribute to her father, Aitzaz ‘Jaji’ Shahbaz. According to the curator, her father was a man who was larger than life and lived it to the fullest.

Evolving Thoughts – Abdul Jabbar Gull

Abdul Jabbar Gull tries to explore the mysterious link of the corporeal world to the ethereal world. “Searching for answers, I am confronted with ever deeper, unresolved questions. Translated into the focus of my subject as three dimensional, winged forms, I endeavour to discipline my thoughts and create order by juxtaposing them with the Thakhti, a symbol of awareness. Still my thoughts fly hither and thither, leading me into unknown dimensions, ever teasing ever intriguing,” shares the artist.

Pain – Gabrielle Brinsmead

These paintings are a part of a larger series of works called Strangers and Pilgrims. All the paintings in this series describe the sometimes circular, sometimes baffling journey that each person on earth is making.

Ascent – Sanki King

One of the most important beliefs that have existed, and widely accepted throughout history; from the advent of the first human tribes, to this day, is the belief that humans have two existences, a physical one and a spiritual one. And when people die, their souls follow a divine path to ascension, rising up to higher levels of existence – in religious beliefs, closer to God, in spiritual beliefs, closer to the “source.”

Snakes & Ladders – Obaid Ur Rehman

The artwork represents a fun interpretation and a twist to the nostalgic game of Snakes and Ladders.

The Fallen Cone – Syeda Sheeza Ali

The Fallen Cone serves as a poignant metaphor for the human experience. It encapsulates the bittersweet notion that happiness can sometimes feel tantalizingly close, only to slip away at the moment of anticipated fulfillment, which is what the artwork conveys.

Q Quest – Amin Gulgee

The display hints at a journey of mechanical flying across the cratered Amber Moon.

Loss – Behram Farooqui

This installation highlights the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing happening in the state of Palestine.

Wonder – Talhakaar

“Wonder” is an immersive experience and an interplay of light, reflection and illusion. It is a visual journey that invites viewers to contemplate the infinite potential of perception by combining tech, mirror work and light.

Expressing her opinion about the festival and installation, Curator Pomme Amina Gohar said, “This vibrant space isn’t just about viewing art – it’s a multi-sensory experience. It’s a labour of love and creativity. The presence of art maestros in the show has given tremendous courage and guidance to emerging talent.”