With each passing year, Pakistan is becoming a place of expression, accepting creative ideas and finding its way through innovation. While many are hostile towards the idea of art, its representation and how it is depicted, organizations are taking up the responsibility to showcase talent, providing the platform to people who need an undiscovered.
Whether it is Karachi Binneale which aims at promoting all forms of visual art through set themes or Karachi Art Summit which promoted a conversation about art and creative labour through moderated sessions, live performances, exhibitions and curated art at different landmark locations in Karachi, the art scene is constantly growing and enabling budding as well as acclaimed artists to express themselves.
Another such festival was Discover D’Art Fest organized by Mint PR which focused on promoting street art of the Mughal city Lahore. This distinctive festival which took place at Lahore Expo Centre, exhibited art which was a fusion of street fashion and hip-hop culture provided a platform for fashion, music and visual arts. 25 domestic and international artists participated in this one-day art extravaganza to redefine street culture in Pakistan.
Ace-couturier Wardha Saleem presented an exclusive collection ‘Aurat Raaj’ which paid homage to the strong women of Pakistan while Fahad Hussyn’s ‘Nightmentia’ aimed to bring about awareness for depression and mental health. International makeup and hair artist Saima Rashid Bargfrede showcased her creativity by creating exclusive looks for Wardha and Fahad’s collections.
Left to right: Tapu Javeri, Nubain Ali (event director) & Maida Azmat (Mint PR)
Additionally, renowned photographer Tapu Javeri presented his collection inspired by ‘Shamiana’ tents. Other visual artists, muralists and painters included Sanki King, Anusha Khalid, Haider Ali, Neil Uchong (SHADE), Obaid Ur Rehman, Safwan Sabzwari & Marium Kamal, Shehzar Abro and Syed Safdar Ali to name but a few.
Wardha Saleem’s exclusive collection ‘Aurat Raaj’
Video artists Nida Ramzan who presented a visual narrative about women and their relationship with the objects around them and Sana Jafri were also part of the prestigious line-up. International musicians The Stomp Drummers Crazy Orchestra -who perform drumming through everyday life objects- performed for the first time in Pakistan along with Vernin Uchong and the Parkour Group (originally from Quetta) who flew in for the festival and mesmerized the audience with their Parkour skills.
Fahad Hussayn’s exclusive collection ‘Nightmentia’
In a statement, show director Nubain Ali explained the purpose of D’Art Fest, “Discover aspires to redefine an extraordinary experience by bringing together influencers from creative arts and other various walks of life. The platform is meant to transcend borders by joining people together in their experience of discovering the world of arts, music, fashion, culture and more.”
Here’s the complete list of all the artists who presented their artworks:
