Pakistan's mission in UK honours pavilion showcasing Manora.

Byline: Naiza Khan

LONDON -- The Pakistan High Commission on Wednesday honoured artwork showcased at the 'Pavilion of Pakistan' at the international Venice biennale.

The show, which opened early in May, features the work of Naiza Khan as curated by Zahra Khan of Foundation Art Divvy. The exhibition has been presented by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and Foundation Art Divvy and ends on Nov 24. It has attracted about 100 visitors daily since it opened, a figure that organisers say boasts of its success.

'We know what a wonderful art scene Pakistan has, how strong its art universities and sector are,' said curator Zahra Khan. 'This [exhibit] showcases a different aspect of the country at this important international stage as one that is looking to the future.'

In the past, Pakistani artists have been selected to show by the curators of Venice. However, this biennale marked Pakistan's first official participation as a national pavilion. The Venice biennale is the oldest such event in the world, and is divided into the curated and national sections. The pavilion was a joint effort of the PNCA and Foundation Art Divvy, a public-private partnership which allowed it to become a reality.

Event celebrates publication of catalogue which documents show in Venice

'When I was thinking about who and what to show, I thought about the similarities between Karachi and Venice, as well as Manora Island. I've been following Naiza's work for many years, and I felt that her exploration of this changing landscape speaks to many important global concerns in terms of migration and changing ecologies,' Zahra added.

Artist Naiza Khan said: 'Manora Field Notes is in some ways a homage to Manora Island and the port of Karachi. There are interesting parallels between Karachi and Venice both are port cities within historic transnational trade routes, who have had to negotiate modernity and industrialisation.'

The event at the Pakistan mission was held especially to celebrate the publication of a catalogue, titled 'Manora Field Notes', which encapsulates Naiza's show and...