As the art world descends on Dubai for the 2025 edition of Art Dubai, Pakistan is making its presence felt in a significant way.
This year, 10 Pakistani artists, each with a distinct style and story, are representing the nation in the fair’s Contemporary section, showcasing the depth and richness of our nation’s artistic heritage.
Here’s a closer look at the 10 artists carrying the Pakistani flag at Art Dubai 2025:
Sana Arjumand
Karachi-born Sana Arjumand graduated from NCA in 2005 with a major in painting. Her work is tinged with mysticism, populated by birds, light, and symbols drawn from dreams. Exploring inner states, spirituality, and the anxieties of modern life, her ethereal style has resonated with audiences in Pakistan and abroad, establishing her as a distinctive voice in contemporary art.
Rasheed Araeen
A conceptual artist, sculptor, painter, writer, and curator, Rasheed Araeen was born in Karachi but rose to prominence in London’s radical art circles during the 1960s.
Originally trained as a civil engineer, his works often feature open modular forms that can be repositioned, embodying innovation and adaptability. Araeen is also a fierce advocate for the representation of artists of colour, having founded the influential journal Black Phoenix in the 1970s, a platform that challenged the art world’s Eurocentric biases.
Shehnaz Ismail
Shehnaz Ismail has dedicated her career to championing Pakistan’s craft traditions. A co-founder of Karachi’s Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, where she heads the Department of Textile Design, she has spent decades documenting and preserving indigenous embroidery and weaving practices, particularly from the mountainous regions and the Potohar Plateau. A graduate of NCA’s Faculty of Design, her work bridges art and cultural heritage.
Anwar Saeed
Lahore-based painter and printmaker Anwar Saeed graduated from the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore in 1978 and pursued postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Art in London, completing them in 1985.
His canvases weave together mythology, sexuality, and personal history, creating a rich tapestry of narrative and emotion. Since 1986, he has been a faculty member at NCA, shaping the next generation of Pakistani artists.
Syed Sadequain (1930–1987)
No discussion of Pakistani art is complete without Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi, a titan of modern Islamic calligraphy and symbolism. Born in Amroha, India, he moved to Pakistan after independence and produced over 15,000 works during his lifetime. His inclusion at Art Dubai 2025 is a tribute to his enduring legacy, underscoring the foundational role his contributions continue to play in Pakistani art.
Faiza Butt
Faiza Butt’s work appears almost photographic at first glance, but closer inspection reveals her meticulous pointillism—a painstaking technique that builds intricate images dot by dot. Born in Lahore, she trained at NCA and the Slade School of Fine Art in London.
Drawing from miniature painting traditions, her work has been exhibited in various museums and featured in numerous publications, earning her international acclaim.
Shezad Dawood
London-based and globally active, Shezad Dawood works across diverse media, including film and virtual reality. He trained at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art before completing a PhD at Leeds Metropolitan University. His practice often involves collaboration and explores themes of narrative, history, and identity, offering a multifaceted perspective on contemporary experience.
Safdar Ali Qureshi
Hailing from Larkana, Safdar Ali Qureshi specialised in miniature painting at NCA, graduating in 2005. His approach to the medium is meditative and abstract, with paintings constructed from dashes, swirls, and subtle shifts in hue—an attempt, he explains, to capture memory in motion.
He currently teaches miniature painting at SABS University of Art, Design and Heritages in Jamshoro, preserving and evolving this traditional craft.
Imran Qureshi
Born in Hyderabad, Imran Qureshi studied miniature painting at NCA, where he now serves as a faculty member. Renowned for reviving 16th-century Mughal miniature painting techniques, he merges traditional motifs with contemporary themes, breathing new life into a historic art form.
His practice extends beyond the canvas to include site-specific installations that respond to architectural spaces, showcasing his versatility and innovation.
Maha Ahmed
An emerging talent with a delicate touch, Maha Ahmed completed her BFA in Miniature Painting at NCA in 2012, followed by an MA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins in London in 2015. Her work delves into feelings of loneliness and curiosity, conjuring otherworldly, ethereal worlds populated by mystical creatures—a fresh and poignant addition to Pakistan’s artistic narrative.
For Pakistan, Art Dubai 2025 is more than an art fair; it is a global stage where the country’s artistic voices—rooted in tradition yet boldly innovative—resonate with the world.
From the pioneering minimalism of Rasheed Araeen to the delicate miniatures of Maha Ahmed, these 10 artists embody the richness of Pakistan’s creative spirit, fostering dialogue and appreciation across borders.
