Changing the City Scape mural artwork

Changing the City Scape

The Artist’s Vision

“The design of the mural was directly influenced by the building itself, and its surrounding. We planted colors in an area dull and dirty. We brought art where everything is industrial, decadent and functional. We tried to make the statement that a building can become, thanks to art, a piece of art.”

— Giuseppe Percivati
Time Lapse

Art in an unexpected place.

Set amid the functional and industrial character of Keamari, the GSA House mural introduced colour, movement and nature into the urban landscape.

The work invited passers-by, art students, diplomats and the wider community to view an industrial building and its surrounding neighbourhood with fresh eyes.

Artist working on the GSA House mural
Completed colourful GSA House mural
Giuseppe Percivati and H.E. Anna Rufino
Detailed view of the GSA House mural
Giuseppe Percivati and H.E. Anna Rufino
Art & Diplomacy

H.E. Anna Rufino

Consul General of Italy, Karachi

It is a privilege for the Consulate of Italy in Karachi to once again be a part of the most prestigious International Public Arts Festival organized by I AM KARACHI, which aims to promote peace and harmony together with local and international artists to express solidarity through various forms of art.

The Consulate of Italy truly believes in cross cultural exchanges between Italian and Pakistani artists and has been engaged in promoting collaborative efforts on both sides to foster bilateral cultural relations.

Some of the contributions of the Consulate of Italy in Karachi over the past one year has been to invite artists and professionals from Italy

in the fields of music, theatre, fine arts, fashion, music and cinema.

The mural painted by Italian Street Artist, Giuseppe Percivati, at the GSA House is a symbol of such coordination and has become a permanent part of the cityscape of Karachi.

Along with the wall mural at Quaid-e-Azam International Airport by Italian artist Maurizio Boscheri and other public art spaces, the project is a testament to the commitment of the Government of Italy to foster peace and harmony in Karachi.

The citizens of Karachi should be proud of their city, which has so much to offer in terms of arts and cultural inclusivity.

Changing the City Scape

Mohammed A. Rajpar

When we were first approached by Sameera Raja, a founder member of the IPAF, the team at GSA House was intrigued at the project and excited to be part of this unique initiative. We were introduced to Italian artist Giuseppe Percivati, an unassuming young man. We watched him plan and then execute this wonderful and the first of its kind project. Every day coming to work was exciting as new layers emerged. Our original grey coloured building began to transform into an amazing canvas, attracting attention from all and sundry. Art students would turn up, chat with the artist, study his technique and learn about public art.

GSA House mural inauguration ceremony

On 19th December 2018 the GSA House mural was inaugurated, becoming the largest public art mural in Pakistan. Spanning 2300 square feet, this painting depicts a tropical scene with a glorious blue sky, colorful flowers and birds of both Italy and Karachi. The mural, a tribute to the city of Karachi, highlights the importance of promoting art within the city. The GSA House building in Keamari now stands as a best practice of public art, open to display for general public and serves as a harbinger of peace and prosperity between two friendly nations.

The mural also highlights the importance of platform building in the creation of sustainable art and was possible with collaboration with Consulate General of Italy, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), “I AM KARACHI” (IAK), International Public Art Festival (IPAF) and Berger Paints. The Inaugral event was attended by guests ranging from diplomatic, business, government, social, cultural circles with Mr. Iftikhar Shalwani, Commissioner, Karachi being the Chief Guest. The admiration for the work and the need for more such murals was highlighted by all.

We would like to thank all the collaborators for helping GSA House tremendously in creating this masterpiece and would like to see more masterpieces of this kind around the city.

2,300 Square Feet of Mural
9 Days to Complete
6 Partner Organisations
A City Landmark

The mural at GSA House was presented as a tribute to the people of Karachi by the Italian artist Giuseppe Percivati as an initiative of the International Public Art Festival (IPAF).

The project was possible with the collaboration of the Consulate General of Italy, Karachi Port Trust, I AM KARACHI, GSA House and Berger Paints Ltd. as an example of public and private partnership.

GSA House has long been a landmark in Keamari and now stands as a best practice of PUBLIC ART in this city of over 20 million people.

GSA House mural landmark in Keamari Karachi
The Inauguration

A gathering across art, diplomacy and business.

Guests and collaborators at the GSA House mural inauguration
Mural Collaborators
Consulate General of Italy Karachi Port Trust Giuseppe Percivati I AM KARACHI International Public Art Festival Berger Paints GSA House