EcoVision Art Awards presented to winners by FS Karachiwala Art Fund
- 15 Jul 2024
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The EcoVision Art Awards hosted by FS Karachiwala Art Fund celebrating sustainability in art, announced its winners on July 10. The first prize was won by Aiko Tanaka from Japan, the second prize winner was Hans Martin from Germany while Akash Nair from India took the third prize. “This award celebrates sustainability in art, providing a platform for artists worldwide to showcase their unique perspectives on environmental stewardship, resource conservation and ecological balance,” said FS Karachiwala, founder of the FS Karachiwala Art Fund. “Over 50 entries were received from 12 countries, representing 18 nationalities. We believe this initiative aligns with the principles of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and promotes environmental awareness through creative expression.”
FS Karachiwala is a globally accredited art curator and consultant and the first Pakistani to be accredited by Dubai government as art curator. He works between Dubai and Karachi. The first prize was worth USD 500; the second prize winner took home USD 300; and the third prize winner won USD 200. The quality of the works was judged by the criteria of creativity and originality; artistic quality; relevance to theme and impact; and message. The jury were David Alesworth, Faiza Butt and Dr. Sumera Jawad. Alesworth is a distinguished sculptor, photographer and researcher of garden histories. He works between the UK and Pakistan and his work uses gardens to explore humanity’s culturally specific relationships with nature. He is also a pivotal member of the Karachi Pop movement and a life member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors.
Faiza Butt is a celebrated UK-based Pakistani artist, known for her work that merges photography with embroidery, to explore feminist themes. She has exhibited globally at Art Dubai, Frieze and Art Basel. Her collections are in prestigious homes, including the British Museum. Dr. Sumera Jawad is a seasoned academic in Studio Practice at the University of The Punjab, Lahore, and a practicing artist. She has numerous solo and group exhibitions to her credit; she conducts workshops and residencies, sharing her expertise with aspiring artists.
The top 10 award finalists (with the titles of their work) were Hans Martin, Germany: The Divide; Amara Okafor, UAE: Existence; Akash Nair, India: Reflections of a Drowning World; Ameen Karim, Pakistan/UK: Duality; Aiko Tanaka, Japan: Journey through the Chaos; Indrani Ilmi, UAE: Earth’s Cry; Arjun Rao, UAE: Disruption; Jun Pon, UAE: Towards a Greener Future; Naheed Kazi, KSA: Harmony in Nature; and Ingrid J, UAE: Nature’s Reward.
“I capture the duality of our existence and the profound impact humanity has on the Earth,” said Hans Martin. “My piece is a visual representation of the contrast between industrialisation and the natural world, inspiring an equilibrium of our world and the urgent need for sustainable living.” Amara Okafor said that his work explores the complex balance between the natural and urban worlds. “The connection of a spreading forest against the cityscape in my work … reflects on the relationship between the environment and the urban spaces they occupy. It’s a call to appreciate the beauty and necessity of both worlds, urging a harmonious coexistence …”
Akash Nair said that his composition shows “the beauty of architectural heritage with reality of environmental ruin. This artwork is an exploration of the human progress and environmental responsibility.” Ameen Karim said he was “showing exploration of our planet’s current state, depicted as a split between booming natural landscapes and the encroaching steel and concrete of human development and reviewing our role within this duality to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world.”
Aiko Tanaka said “my work represents the resilience and determination of the human spirit, navigating through the chaos in search of purpose and clarity. The journey of this individual (shown in the work) is a metaphor for our quest for meaning between the mess and confusion of our environment.” Indrani Ilmi said that “Earth’s Cry delivers a powerful message: change is imperative. As guardians of our planet, we are reminded that the fate of our world is inextricably linked to the choices we make today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed; the time to act is now.”
Arjun Rao said that “I capture the devastating impact of climate change through the catastrophic flood in Kerala, India. The floods in Kerala serve as a reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality affecting communities around the world, needing collective action.” Jun Pon said that the work offered was “an exploration of urban life and its impact on our environment, captured through the medium of watercolour. By embracing more sustainable modes of transportation, we can collectively cover the way for a healthier, more sustainable world.” Naheed Kazi presented a work that showed a village settled within lush landscapes, where daily life unfolds amidst a setting of palm trees, water bodies, and huts, underlining the urgency of addressing climate change through sustainable solutions. Ingrid J said her work was “a celebration of the rich and vibrant array of plant-based foods that not only nourish our bodies, but also support the health of our planet.” The FS Karachiwala Art Fund provides avenues for artists through awards, residencies, educational programmes, grants, scholarships, community engagement projects, and more. The EcoVision Art Awards it promotes aims to highlight the critical role of art in promoting environmental stewardship, resource conservation and ecological balance.