Pakistani artists made their mark on the global art scene with vibrant colors, masterful compositions, and thought-provoking symbols at Art Dubai 2023, the region’s leading international art show. The event, held from April 16-18, 2023, at Madinat Jumeirah, featured galleries from around the world, showcasing the diversity of South Asian art and providing a platform for Pakistani artists to share their work with a global audience. A Decade of Cultural Exchange
Art Dubai 2023 marked the fair’s twentieth year, a milestone in its mission to champion diverse voices and geographies in the art world. The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The fair’s artistic director had stated, “Dubai is a unique, global city, one which is home to communities and peoples from all over the world, with different languages and traditions and, as we approach our twentieth year, the fair has become the main platform and commercial marketplace for galleries and artists from these scenes and geographies. We are proud to champion these voices, supporting a more diverse and global art world.”
Pakistani Artists at the Forefront
Faiza Butt, a UK-based artist of Pakistani origin, was one of the Pakistani artists who showcased her work at Art Dubai 2023. Her exhibition featured vibrant colors and masterful compositions, depicting the human form in a unique and thought-provoking way. Butt, who was inspired by renowned Pakistani artist Anwar Saeed, explored themes of masculinity and social commentary in her work. Inspiration from Pakistan
Butt’s journey to becoming an artist began at Lahore’s famed National College of Arts (NCA), where she studied under the guidance of Anwar Saeed. His works, which were also displayed side-by-side with hers, deeply inspired her and gave her a launchpad for her current art theme. Butt explained, “As a social commentator, I want my work to be purposeful. I think as long as I can provoke people to ask a question to break the ice and to work on pre-existing presumptions, cultural framings.”
A Conversation Starter
Butt’s exhibition was not the only one that sparked conversations among visitors. Maryam Baniasadi, another Pakistani artist, documented her journey through NCA in miniature paintings. Baniasadi said, “Pakistan was really inspiring for me. The architecture, the nature, the vibrant colours － so I used a lot of composites in my work also, like nature is there.” Her work also reflected the political environment around her, with a sense of calm in the face of security issues. A Platform for Pakistani Artists
Art Dubai 2023 provided a platform for Pakistani artists to showcase their work and connect with a global audience. Bhavna Kakar, owner of LATITUDE 28, an Indian art gallery, said, “We have a nice roster of artists from Pakistan. Each one has their distinct identity which adds so much to what we already do.” The gallery featured works by Noor Ali Chagani, Farhat Ali, Waseem Ahmed, and Khadim Ali, all of whom added to the gallery’s theme of miniature and sculpture. Collaborations and Crossovers
The fair also featured collaborations and crossovers between Pakistani artists and artists from other regions. Hannah Matin, gallery associate at Aicon Gallery, said, “They really encapsulate the cultures of Pakistan and India in a very beautiful way. For example, Sana Arjumand’s work, it’s all about the sense of spirituality and female representation in Pakistan.” Arjumand’s piece, “The Perfect Mirror,” was displayed alongside a monumental piece by Nigerian artist Peju Alatise, and was sold for more than $20,000. A Global Art World
Art Dubai 2023 marked a significant milestone in the fair’s mission to support a more diverse and global art world. The event showcased the diversity of South Asian art and provided a platform for Pakistani artists to share their work with a global audience. As Art Dubai’s artistic director stated, “Dubai is a unique, global city, one which is home to communities and peoples from all over the world, with different languages and traditions and, as we approach our twentieth year, the fair has become the main platform and commercial marketplace for galleries and artists from these scenes and geographies. We are proud to champion these voices, supporting a more diverse and global art world.”
Conclusion
Art Dubai 2023 was a testament to the vibrant colors and masterful compositions of Pakistani artists. The event provided a platform for Pakistani artists to showcase their work and connect with a global audience, and marked a significant milestone in the fair’s mission to support a more diverse and global art world.