The Artistic Journey of Emaan Pirzada
Emaan Pirzada is a Pakistani visual artist and miniature painter born in Hyderabad, Sindh, who has quickly established herself in the contemporary art scene. After graduating with honors in Fine Arts from the National College of Arts, Rawalpindi in 2021, where she specialized in traditional miniature painting, Pirzada has built an impressive exhibition record across multiple countries.
Her work, exemplified by the striking portrait shown of a woman in traditional Sindhi attire featuring the distinctive Ajrak pattern, reflects her cultural heritage and demonstrates her exceptional skill in portraiture that captures both physical likeness and emotional depth.
Pirzada's Artistic Vision
Pirzada's work often explores themes of cultural identity, social relationships, and human dignity. As illustrated by her quote about the portrait shown, she seeks to honor those whose contributions are frequently overlooked, stating: "I wanted to paint her, appreciate her efforts and honestly her existence in our lives. Which generally people ignore.
How they serve their whole lives for families like us." This commitment to recognizing the humanity in everyday relationships infuses her paintings with emotional resonance and social commentary, elevating her subjects through careful attention to their individuality and cultural context.
Recognition and Professional Development of Emaan Pirzada
Following her graduation, Pirzada has gained significant professional experience and recognition. She volunteered with MEF International Schools in Istanbul, Turkey, and served as an Assistant Curator at Satrang Gallery in Islamabad (2021-2022). Her talent has been acknowledged through prestigious opportunities, including being shortlisted for the TAF Emerging Artist Award for South Asia in 2023, representing Pakistan in the 'Painting Old Buildings' project in Cairo, Egypt in 2019, and securing international residencies at DRAW International in Caylus, France in 2023 and Jelly Studios in Reading, UK in 2024.
Currently, Pirzada works as a Coordinator at Foundation Art Divvy, where she contributes to promoting South Asian art and culture on both local and international platforms, while continuing to develop her personal artistic practice through frequent exhibitions throughout Pakistan and beyond.