Art Dubai 2025: Pakistan’s Vibrant Presence in a Global Arena
As the art world converges in Dubai for the highly anticipated 2025 edition of Art Dubai, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Pakistan, which is poised to showcase its rich artistic heritage and innovative contemporary practices. Running from April 18 to 20, this prominent international art fair continues to be a dynamic platform that celebrates the diversity of voices from the Global South, fostering a cultural dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries.
Art Dubai has evolved into a significant cultural event, bringing together galleries, artists, and art lovers from various backgrounds. This year’s edition features carefully curated sections, including a ‘Contemporary’ showcase, a ‘Modern’ section dedicated to 20th-century masters, the ‘Bawwaba’ (Arabic for getaway) that emphasizes solo presentations reflecting current global transformations, and ‘Art Dubai Digital’, focusing on the emerging realms of digital and NFT art.
Celebrating Pakistani Voices
Ten exceptional Pakistani artists are set to represent the country in the Contemporary section, each bringing unique perspectives and styles that collectively narrate Pakistan’s vibrant artistic landscape. This year’s lineup spans experienced veterans, who have significantly contributed to South Asian art, and emerging talents who are redefining the narrative through their innovative works.
Rasheed Araeen: A Pioneer of Representation
Rasheed Araeen, a conceptual artist born in Karachi, has a rich career marked by revolutionary contributions to art in London’s radical circles during the 1960s. With a background in civil engineering, Araeen’s works often feature open modular forms inviting interactive viewer engagement. Beyond creating art, he has been a staunch advocate for the representation of artists of color, launching the influential journal Black Phoenix in the 1970s.
Anwar Saeed: Mythology and Personal Narratives
Lahore-based painter and printmaker Anwar Saeed blends mythology, sexuality, and personal history within his paintings. A National College of Arts (NCA) graduate, he has served as a faculty member since 1986, influencing the next generation of artists while creating works that challenge and inspire.
Faiza Butt: Miniature Meets Modernity
Faiza Butt, also from Lahore, captivates viewers with her intricate pointillism that initially appears photographic. Her academic training at both NCA and London’s Slade School of Fine Art informs her blend of traditional miniature painting techniques and contemporary themes, resulting in a unique visual language showcased in numerous exhibitions.
Safdar Ali Qureshi: The Meditative Abstract
Hailing from Larkana, Safdar Ali Qureshi specializes in a meditative form of miniature painting. Graduating in 2005 from NCA, he constructs his works using dashes and swirls to convey memory in motion. Currently teaching at the SABS University of Art, Design and Heritage, he brings a contemporary touch to traditional forms.
Imran Qureshi: Reviving Mughal Traditions
Imran Qureshi, born in Hyderabad, seamlessly merges 16th-century Mughal miniature techniques with modern narratives. Educated at NCA, where he currently teaches, Qureshi’s work spans a variety of media, including site-specific installations that reflect the architectural context in which they are presented.
Sana Arjumand: Mystical Realms
Karachi-born Sana Arjumand’s paintings evoke a sense of mysticism, featuring birds and symbols from dreams. Graduating from NCA in 2005, her ethereal style grapples with themes of spirituality and existential anxiety, appealing to audiences both locally and internationally.
Shehnaz Ismail: Champion of Craft Traditions
A co-founder of Karachi’s Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Shehnaz Ismail is dedicated to preserving Pakistan’s craft traditions. A graduate of NCA’s Faculty of Design, she has spent decades documenting indigenous embroidery practices, enriching the narrative of Pakistani art with her commitment to craft.
Syed Sadequain: A Legacy of Modern Islamic Art
No discussion of Pakistani art is complete without Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi, whose impact on modern Islamic calligraphy and symbolism remains profound. His prolific output of over 15,000 works throughout his lifetime ensures that his legacy is honored at Art Dubai, serving as a reminder of his foundational contributions.
Shezad Dawood: Exploring Narrative and Identity
London-based Shezad Dawood creates across numerous media, including film and virtual reality. His education at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art informs his collaborative works, where themes of narrative, history, and identity converge, engaging a global audience.
Maha Ahmed: Ethereal Perspectives
A rising talent, Maha Ahmed completed her BFA in Miniature Painting at NCA, followed by an MA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins. Her works delve into feelings of loneliness and curiosity, often featuring ethereal worlds and mystical creatures that invite introspection.
Art Dubai not only serves as a marketplace but also fosters exchange between artists, curators, and collectors. Its Global Art Forum, renowned in the region, brings together various cultural voices to examine pressing themes in contemporary art, further enriching the discussions initiated at the fair.
With a robust international presence, Art Dubai continues to be a significant hub for cultural dialogue, making an indelible mark on the global art landscape. Pakistan’s participation is not just a representation of its artistic talents, but also a powerful statement of its cultural relevance on the world stage.
