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Vasl Artists’ Association, affiliated with the UK's Triangle Network, is a space of artistic exchange and collaboration.
Situated in Karachi's lively Clifton Block 4, an area rich with galleries, fashion stores, and fine dining, Vasl offers a sanctuary for artistic innovation, featuring a residence, gallery, and office space and a small outdoor courtyard. Adjacent to the Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mazaar and walking distance from Arabian Sea, it provides an inspiring backdrop for reflection and creative growth. Artists engage with our team, nurturing projects and fostering meaningful dialogue. Vasl is registered under Section 42, and affiliated with the Karachi Philanthropy Society and i-Care.
Brief History
Vasl Artists’ Association, affiliated with the Triangle Network, UK, serves as a vital international platform for artists and art organizations in Pakistan. The term ‘Vasl,’ rooted in Urdu and Persian poetry, embodies a profound connection, inspiring our mission to nurture creativity and freedom of expression. Established in 2001 in Karachi, this not-for-profit organization has hosted over 700 local and international artists through residencies and workshops, facilitating significant artistic projects. Our year-round programs offer artists residencies, workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities. With our Educational Outreach initiatives and publications, Vasl amplifies vital dialogues in contemporary art, enhancing community engagement and promoting critical artistic discourse.
The Residence
Vasl Artists’ Association in collaboration with Full Circle Gallery offers its residence for workshops and artist residencies, alongside accommodation for visiting artists. Facilities feature two ensuite bedrooms, WiFi, air conditioning, shared lounge, smoking area, courtyard studio , a small working desk and a communal kitchen, with rental options available.
The Gallery
The Vasl Gallery in collaboration with Full Circle Gallery boasts a versatile space designed for bold expression and creative dialogue. It is a multipurpose space, featuring both an indoor (189 sq ft) and outdoor gallery (184 sq ft) , perfect for immersive installation.
Vasl Board Members
Adeela Suleman
Executive Director & Founding Member
Adeela Suleman is a visual artist and educationist, received her BFA from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi in 1999 and before that she did her MA in International Relations from Karachi University in 1995.
Adeela Suleman
Executive Director & Founding Member
Adeela Suleman is a visual artist and educationist, received her BFA from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi in 1999 and before that she did her MA in International Relations from Karachi University in 1995.
Suleman was the Head of Fine Art Department at The Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan from 2008-2019. She is the founding member and director of Vasl Artists’ Association Karachi, Pakistan, founding member & director of Odd Bird Art, Singapore, Pakistan, and founding member and director of Suleman Annual Grant for Arts – SAGA, Karachi, Pakistan
Suleman has exhibited in numerous solo exhibitions including those at Grosvenor Gallery , London, UK ( 2024) ; The Barracks Art Museum, Lahore, Pakistan ( 2024) ; Midlands Arts Center, Birmingham, UK (2022); Sullivan+ Strumpf, Singapore (2019); Aicon Gallery, New York, USA (2017); Gandhara Art Gallery, Karachi, Pakistan (2017); Davide Gallo Gallery, Milan, Italy (2017); Canvas Gallery, Karachi, Pakistan (2015); Aicon Gallery, New York, USA (2014); Canvas, Karachi, Pakistan (2012); Alberto Peola Gallery, Torino, Italy (2012); Aicon Gallery, London, UK (2011); Rohtas Gallery, Lahore, Pakistan (2008).
She has taken part in group exhibitions at notable Museums and foundations and her works are part of notable international public collections. Suleman has also participated in the Lisbon Jewelry Biennale, Portugal (2024);Art Basel Hong Kong(2024); Busan Biennale, South Korea (2022); Karachi Biennale, Pakistan (2017 and 2019); Singapore Biennale (2016); Asian Art Biennial, Taichung, Taiwan (2013); SEA+ Triennial, Jakarta, Indonesia (2013); Asia Triennial II, Manchester, UK (2011); 2nd Fukuoka Asian Art Triennial, Fukuoka, Japan (2002).Her work has been shown numerous times at , Art Dubai, Abu Dhabi Art Fair , India Art Fair and Armory, New York and Art Basel Hong Kong.
Her work has been reviewed by several magazines, catalogues and newspapers such as Art Forum, BOMB Magazine, Wall Street International, New York Times, Publications, Art Radar Asia, Art Link Magazine and Art Asia Pacific.
Suleman’s Monograph “Not everyone’s Heaven” was printed by Skira in 2020. Her second book “Art, Violence and the State in the Killing Fields of Karachi” was recently published and co-authored by Mariam Ali Baig in 2022. Suleman lives and works in Karachi, Pakistan.
Sameera Raja
Director
Sameera Raja is the Founder/Curator of Canvas Gallery, Karachi. Having originally obtained her degree in architecture from the National College of Arts in Lahore, Ms. Raja, after working in this field, broadened her interests to the world of visual arts.
Sameera Raja
Director
Sameera Raja is the Founder/Curator of Canvas Gallery, Karachi. Having originally obtained her degree in architecture from the National College of Arts in Lahore, Ms. Raja, after working in this field, broadened her interests to the world of visual arts.
Sohail Osman Ali
Director
Sohail Osman Ali is a Life Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is a certified director, having completed the ICAP Directors’ Program accredited by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
Sohail Osman Ali
Director
Sohail Osman Ali is a Life Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is a certified director, having completed the ICAP Directors’ Program accredited by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
Khurram Kasim
Advisory Board Member
Khurram Kasim is on the board of directors of various companies of the Hasham Group, which is his family concern and was established by his grandfather Mr. Haji Hasham in 1948.
Khurram Kasim
Advisory Board Member
Khurram Kasim is on the board of directors of various companies of the Hasham Group, which is his family concern and was established by his grandfather Mr. Haji Hasham in 1948.
Maria Hasan
Advisory Board Member
Maria Hasan is a highly experienced professional with more than ten years in the arts and culture sector. She obtained her BA in Fine Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London, where she built a strong foundation in painting, digital arts, and a variety of other creative mediums.
Maria Hasan
Advisory Board Member
Maria Hasan is a highly experienced professional with more than ten years in the arts and culture sector. She obtained her BA in Fine Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London, where she built a strong foundation in painting, digital arts, and a variety of other creative mediums.
The Vasl Team
Adeela Suleman
Executive Director & Founding Member
Adeela Suleman is an internationally acclaimed visual artist known for her impactful work. She has been a committed volunteer at Vasl Artists’ Association since 2002 and currently serves as its Executive Director.
Adeela Suleman
Executive Director & Founding Member
Adeela Suleman is an internationally acclaimed visual artist known for her impactful work. She has been a committed volunteer at Vasl Artists’ Association since 2002 and currently serves as its Executive Director.
In this role, she oversees the organization’s operations, manages and design projects, mentor young artists, drafts proposals, and leads fundraising initiatives. Her leadership, creativity, and enduring dedication have played a pivotal role in Vasl’s continued success and growth within the arts community. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys cooking and listens to music.
Ayesha Chandio
Project Coordinator
Ayesha Chandio is a Karachi-based visual artist, explores intersection of dreams and reality through surreal paintings and fluid animations.
Ayesha Chandio
Project Coordinator
Ayesha Chandio is a Karachi-based visual artist, explores intersection of dreams and reality through surreal paintings and fluid animations.
A Vasl core team member, she has exhibited at Sharjah Focal Point, and illustrated for children’s books and is currently affiliated with the Ministry of Art’s online art school. Her work appears in Manachi and British Council’s Our Shared Culture project. You’ll often spot her wearing something pineapple.
Amna Usman
Lawyer/Legal Advisor
Amna Usman, Barrister-at-Law, is a practicing Advocate & Legal Consultant in corporate law and civil and criminal litigation. She is a Certified Director from the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG) and a faculty member of the Hamdard School of Law, in Karachi.
Amna Usman
Lawyer/Legal Advisor
Amna Usman, Barrister-at-Law, is a practicing Advocate & Legal Consultant in corporate law and civil and criminal litigation. She is a Certified Director from the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG) and a faculty member of the Hamdard School of Law, in Karachi.
Javed Patras
Vasl Residence Manager
Patras Wilayat Javed has been a key part of Vasl Artists’ Association since 2001, ensuring a well-maintained and welcoming space for resident artists.
Javed Patras
Vasl Residence Manager
Patras Wilayat Javed has been a key part of Vasl Artists’ Association since 2001, ensuring a well-maintained and welcoming space for resident artists.
He manages housekeeping and daily essentials with dedication. His warmth and hospitality create a home-like atmosphere, making him an invaluable part of the Vasl experience.
Zeeshan Khan
Accountant
Zeeshan Khan is a detail-oriented and experienced accountant specializing in financial reporting, tax compliance, and budgeting.
Zeeshan Khan
Accountant
Zeeshan Khan is a detail-oriented and experienced accountant specializing in financial reporting, tax compliance, and budgeting.
He ensures accuracy and efficiency in financial operations. Dedicated to helping businesses thrive, Zeeshan delivers expert financial insights and strategic planning for sustainable growth.
Nadia Azam
Vasl Housekeeping Staff
Nadia Azam joined Vasl Artists’ Association in 2024 and quickly became essential. Her warmth, attention to detail, and commitment create a welcoming space.
Nadia Azam
Vasl Housekeeping Staff
Nadia Azam joined Vasl Artists’ Association in 2024 and quickly became essential. Her warmth, attention to detail, and commitment create a welcoming space.
With care and positivity, she ensures everything is at its best. Her cheerful presence uplifts everyone, making her a valued colleague and a joy to the Vasl family.
Advisory Board for Gallery
Coming Soon
Advisory Board for Programming
Adeela Suleman
Qudoos Mirza
Seher Naveed
Hira Khan
Maria Hasan
Rameesha Azeem
Editorial Board
Marvi Mazhar
Adeela Suleman
Alifyah Sohail
About Triangle Network
Triangle Network is a global network of artists and arts organisations that support professional development and cultural exchange amongst artists, curators, cultural workers and organisations throughout the world.
Since 1982, Triangle has provided significant opportunities for over 4,500 artists through workshops, residencies, events, exhibitions, work placements and studio provision. This has led to the creation, association and partnership of Triangle Network projects and organisations in over 40 countries – an extensive, artist-focused infrastructure that continues to adapt and thrive.
