Ali Kazmi from the National College of Arts won the Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Juried Art Prize at the Karachi Biennale 2017 (KB17). The biennale exhibitions displayed various forms of art including performative and digital. In his installation for KB17, Kazmi used human hair to create a three-dimensional drawing in the space. His work derives from his interest in the complexity of the human body, both in its physiognomy and as a thematic concern.

Ali Kazmi was selected for the Award by three independent jurors. The jury comprised of an international cultural journalist; Ingo Arand, an international art historian and critic on modern and contemporary South Asian art; Savita Apte and one of Pakistan’s leading contemporary art collectors, Khurram Asim.

The KB17 jury convened from the 18th to 20th October, surveying over 140 works of art displayed across 12 venues in Karachi. Their judgment was based on originality of creativity, interpretation of the theme WITNESS, innovative use of material and imagination of depiction.

The Karachi Biennale is supported by JS Group as its lead partner. The group from the beginning has understood KB17’s vision to hold this special art event and put Karachi on the global art map. It ensures that the international artists and audience realize the potential of Pakistani art and its artists.  JS Group has a long association of promoting arts and culture in Pakistan.

JS Group is one of Pakistan’s most diversified and progressive financial services groups controlling and operating market-leading financial services companies in Pakistan. JS Group contributes towards Corporate Social Responsibility through its charitable arms, Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and Future Trust.