Launch of Public Art with the support of British Council

• A work of art was created by Mohsen Keiyani with the support of the British Council
• The work of art is being gifted to the Karachi Zoo
• The permanent installation of the art work in the Zoo is scheduled for August 26th at 11 am

During the Karachi Biennale 2019 (KB19), a work of art was created by Mohsen Keiyani with the support of the British Council. This work of art is being gifted to the Karachi Zoo and the city of Karachi by the Karachi Biennale Trust and its supporter British Council. Due to COVID-19, the permanent installation of the art work in the Zoo was delayed, but it is now scheduled for August 26th at 11 am, in a small but intimate ceremony that celebrates the transformative power of art and reminds the city of the importance of protecting our birds and environment.

About the work of art

The sculpture, called “Simurgh”, is 4 ½ feet and is made of scrap metal. ‘Simurgh’ is a benevolent, mythical bird in Persian mythology and literature. It is sometimes equated with other mythological birds such as the phoenix. The sculpture shows birds and reflects the theme of KB19 “Flight Interrupted: Eco-leaks from the Invasion Desk”, which is inspired by ecological consequences of dense urbanization. The use of recycled material encourages environmental friendly behavior and habits among viewers. The artist Mohsin Keiyani has migrated from Shiraz, Iran to Birmingham, UK and this art work is a reflection of his own transition and migratory, transformative experience. He identifies with the birds in flight and encourages viewers to protect these beautiful elements of our environment.

About the Event

Representatives of Karachi Biennale Trust and the British Council will meet at the Directors office and then head together to the space where the art work has been installed for the hand over to Karachi Zoo. Both representatives will speak a few words, followed by refreshments.