The first Vasl International Artists Workshop had taken place at Gadani Beach, in Karachi (2001). Both local and international artists became part of this workshop. Artists resided and worked at Gadani Beach, and created their works according to the place they lived in. It was also a process of de-centralising the relationship between perceived centres. Margins are veiled and often difficult to approach. Over half of the artists participating were from various parts of Pakistan. As a result, visiting artists related to the rich culture of Karachi and Gadani, learnt from it and contributed to it. An estimate of 600 people attended the open day. This turned out to be an intensive and informal interaction between artists, critics, patrons and art students from the city and elsewhere. Sheema Kermani and her theatre groupTehrik-e- Niswan, performed a short story from the play ‘A Thousand and One Nights’, on the cliffs against the sea at sunset.

The work produced at Gadani was installed in the Amin Gulgee Gallery. Nayan Kulkarni’s performance was followed by the seminar at the Gulgee Museum.

Sponsors & Supporters

Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development, Rangoonwala Foundation, The British Council, Hubco, Standard Chartered Grindlays, International Power, Khoj International Artists’ Workshop, New Delhi, Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture, Millat Tractors, Arfeen Group, Marriot Hotel, Attock Cement, Sayyed Engineers, Adamjee Diesel Engineering and Friendship Textile Mills.