Karachi is home to several well-known artists and enjoys a thriving art scene. There is no place in Pakistan where so many art promoters have set up galleries in which work of artists from all over the country is displayed. You will find a variety of art work—from paintings to sculpture to ceramics—being displayed all the year round. All galleries mount periodic exhibitions of single artist's work or group shows. And, you will find works of art at prices to suit every pocket. Nothing could be a better souvenir than a piece of original art work produced by a Pakistani artist. Below is a listing of well-known art galleries.

Ahmad Parvez Art Gallery

Arts Council of Pakistan, M.R. Kiyani Road (Ingle Road), (tel. 263-5653). Open: 9:00 am-5:00pm.

This gallery, named after the famous artist Ahmad Parvez, is located in Arts Council building and periodically holds exhibitions.

Art Collector's Gallery

D-68, Block 7, Khayaban-e-Roomi, Clifton (opp. Red Carpet Restaurant), (tel. 571-705). Open: 11:00-8:00 pm.

The Gallery is situated across from Pizza Hut on Khayaban-e-Roomi. Managed by Ali Imran, it holds exhibitions of artists' works.

Cafe Blue

6-C 23rd Street, Tauheed Commercial Area, Defense, (tel. 587-7505, 587-7515). Open: 11:00 am-l:00 am.

An unusual setting for cultural activities is this cafe where along with the usual cafe offering you can enjoy art exhibitions, poetry readings and musical programs etc.

Chawkandi Art

105, Marine Point, Block-9, Kehkashan, Clifton, (tel. 573-582, 587-1025). Open: 11:00 am-8:00pm.

This is the first major gallery to open in Clifton in 1985 and arranges exhibitions of works of prominent artists of the country. Founded by Zohra Husain, it has made a substantial contribution in creating an atmosphere conducive to appreciation of art and has successfully created a viable and substantial market through popularizing works of art.

Clifton Art Gallery

11 AI-Habib Apartments, off Khayaban-e-tqbal, Clifton, (tel. 587-5827). Open: 11:00 am-8:00 pm.

Situated behind Shell Petrol Pump, this Gallery holds exhibitions of reputed artists.

Galerie Sadequain

Frere Hall, Fatima Jinnah Road (Bonus Road). Open: 11:00 am- 7:00 pm.

Located on the first floor of the historic Frere Hall, the exhibition space is used from time to time to mount amateur painting exhibitions. The most important feature of the first floor hall is the enormous mural painted on the ceiling by Sadequain, among the most well known painters of Pakistan. Although a splendid work of art there is some controversy whether the neo-Gothic British-period building is the best place for this impressive mural.

Indus Gallery

50-A/1 St.1, Bath Island, (Tel: 587-2338). Open: 10:00 am-7:00pm.

It is one of the oldest galleries of the city and certainly is the longest running one. Established by Ali Imam, among the most well-known painters of Pakistan, Indus Gallery has played a pivotal role in popularizing the viewing and purchasing of works of art in Pakistan. Due to the discriminating eye of Ali Imam, for hitherto unknown artists, a show at Indus Gallery means instant recognition of their talent. From time to time Indus Gallery also displays works of established visiting artists form other parts of the world.

Majmua

239, Staff Lines, Fatima Jinnah Road (Bonus Road), (rear of Sind Club), (tel. 513-806). Open: 11:00 am- 7:00 pm.

Majmua's personal client service acts as a major facilitator providing art work to discriminating patrons. Established by Mehreen Ilahi, Majmua' Gallery seeks to fulfill specified requirements in fine art, objects d'art, antiques, interior designing and decoration. From time to time Majmua' also arranges functions with eminent writers and artists.

Momart—The Art Place

Anum Classic 1st Floor, Opp. Duty Free Shop, Shara-e-Faisal, (tel. 453-0725, 453-0726). Open: 11:00 am-6:00pm.

Considered by some to be the most impressive art gallery, Momart was established in 1993 by Shammi Ahmed, herself a painter and sister of Jamil Naqsh, one of the most well-known artists of Pakistan. The gallery covers an area of over 1500 sqft. and exhibits work of established artists as well as new entrants into the field.

Nagi's Gallery

Plot No. K-185, Block 2, P.E.C.H.S., (tel. 431-702). Open: 10:00 am-l:00 pm, 3:00-7:00 pm.

This gallery is located in the celebrated artist Nagi's residence, where his own work is on display.

V.M. Art Gallery

Rangoonwala Community Centre, Dhoraji Colony, (tel. 493-8146,493-8025,494-8088; fax 493-0534). Open: 10:30 am-7:00 pm.

V.M. Art Gallery is a project of ZVM Rangoonwala Trust and was established with the objective of advancement in art education—a laudable effort of a well-known business house promoting art and culture. This art gallery was founded in 1987 to encourage fine art and art direction and to provide a much needed outlet for senior and amateur artists to display their work. The gallery has become an important display venue for young and established artists due to the dedication of Riffat Alvi, Art Director of the gallery, herself an artist of repute.

Apart from exhibitions, slide presentations are frequently arranged. The Gallery's own permanent collection is titled 'Rangoonwala Group of Companies Art Collection'.

Other Galleries which are active in display and promotion of art include Art Cafe, The Sundowner, Carlton Hotel, DC-5 offZulfiqar Street 1, Defence VIII, (tel. 584-9172 to 86), which holds exhibitions of works of art from Pakistan and abroad in a cafe setting; Artwal la Gallery, Avari Towers, Fatima Jinnah Road, (tel. 566-0100); Fun Kada Art Gallery, Room # 202, Block 8, Clifton, (tel. 583-7083,583-7048); Gallery 2000, 56-L 25th Commercial Street, Tauheed Commercial Area, Defence V, (tel. 663-9112); Funkar Art Galerie, 202 Dean Arcade, Khayaban-e-Iqbal (Clifton Road), Schon Circle, near Agha's Supermarket, (tel. 583-7083); Kunj Art, 147/D, K.D.A. Scheme 1, (tel. 452-6028); Sheraton Art Gallery, Karachi Sheraton, Club Road, (tel. 5681021); The Gallery, 8 Marine Galleria, Block 9, Clifton, (tel. 587-2489, 587-0491, 587-1625); Zainini, # 1, 5-C 34th Commercial Street, Defence V, (tel. 587-3944), which along with display of designer clothes also holds art exhibitions.

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