About Us
Zainub Mawaz
I am a contemporary visual artist whose multi-disciplinary practice delves into themes of human existence, time and space.The complexities of the human condition and our interrelationships – emotional and cultural-captivate me.
Recently, my focus has shifted to decentralized exploration of interpersonal relationships within the living world as a liberal muslim women. I probe my connections with my city and my multicultural experiences- born in the West, raised in the East and eventually returning to my homeland.This jouney towards the self fuels my growth and informs my teaching.
As a figurative painter, i use the body to transform thought. My art is a landscape of the human form, drawn from within. I actively resist the commoditization of art, prioratize the creative spirit instead.My work, define my research thought processes and random symbolism, invites the viewer to form their analogies. Techniques like assembelage, collage, selfinvented surface preprations, and novel mixing methods characterize my compositions. I aim to perplex, Inspire and provoke contemplations about our world and the experience that shape us.
Artist Statement
My practice revolves around human existence, time, and space. I paint moments, both personal and sociopolitical. The complexities of the human condition and our interrelationships—emotional and cultural—captivate me. Recently, my focus has shifted to decentralized explorations of interpersonal relationships within the living world. As a liberal Muslim woman, I probe my connections with my city And my multicultural experiences—born in the West, raised in the East, and eventually returning to my homeland.
This journey towards the Self fuels my growth and informs my teaching. As a figurative painter, I use the body to transform thought. My art is a landscape of the human form, drawn from within.
I actively resist the commoditization of art, prioritizing the creative spirit instead.
My work, defined by researched thought processes and random symbolism, invites the viewer to form their own analogies.
Techniques like assemblage, collage, selfinvented surface preparations, and novel mixing methods characterize my compositions. I aim to perplex, inspire, and provoke contemplation about our world and the experiences that shape us..
Exhibitions
Khud Agahi (Self-awareness) an exhibition of self-taught female calligraphers of the Arabic script.
April 2021 Empowering Female Artisans through Art & Craft, trained and curated the crafts of 186 beneficiaries
2020 Creativity Beyond Quarantine Curated and exhibited works at Artcade and Selfworks Gallery
2020 Creativity amongst the Cherry Blossoms- artists retreat in collaboration with Rawaan Travels, Pakistan
2019 Islamabad Art Festival, Sir Syed Memorial Hall, Islamabad
2016 June curated “Impactful Inspiration” for the Portuguese National Day celebrations at Serena Hotel Islamabad.
2016 May “Her Very Own Language” three person show at ArtChowk Karachi.
2016 May co-curated “Ancient Pakistan~ a travelling exhibition.” Min. of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad
2015 Between the Lines –Faculty exhibition at Comsats Gallery, Islamabad
2014 Women’s International Day Group show of 25 exhibiting artists.
2013 co-curated the NCA Rawalpindi Painting students thesis display.
2012 Curated ‘Pastiche’ group show of NCA thesis graduates at Pakistan National Art Gallery
2011 A Merger Amongst Equals group show at Vogue Art Gallery, Lahore
2010, 1,000 Words-From Breakfast to Dreaming~curated and participated in this especially noted exhibit which showcased
45 artists from NCA at Vogue Art Gallery, Lahore
2009 Whispers Jharoka Art Gallery, Islamabad
2008 “As Far as the Eye Can See” Annual Faculty Exhibition at NCA Gallery
2006 World Bank: Group Show of contemporary artists from Pakistan
2005 Faculty Display of Conceptual artwork at Fatima Jinnah Women University Campus.
2004 Khaas gallery group show of figurative art
2003 Thesis display at Hunerkada, Islamabad
2003 Recipient of the Gold Medal in Masters of Fine Arts, Fatima Jinnah Women University
1997 Batik and Shibori art exhibition at the American Library Lahore (Group show of Pakistan School of Fashion Design, Lahore, PSFD)
Publications
Kamal-e-Sut (Weaving a Legacy) coffee book funded by the
Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Aga Khan Rural
Support Program & Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
2020 ADA magazine
2019 vol 51 ADA magazine
2019 vol 54 ArtNow,
2016 Vasl Artists Collective Paper Presentation
2014 Press Release for Egyptian embassy to celebrate the first
anniversary of Tahrir Square, with Satrangi Gallery Serena
Awards
Gold Medallist FJWU 2001
Zargalli Jewelry 5ᵗʰ Prize winner 1997
Regional Art Award Recipient 1996
Intercollege National Art Award winner 1995
President of Fine Arts Society FG College Kashmir Road 1994-96
President of OPF Arts Society 1990-92
All Asian Children’s Award First Prize1990
Awards
Gold Medallist FJWU 2001
Zargalli Jewelry 5ᵗʰ Prize winner 1997
Regional Art Award Recipient 1996
Intercollege National Art Award winner 1995
President of Fine Arts Society FG College Kashmir Road 1994-96
President of OPF Arts Society 1990-92
All Asian Children’s Award First Prize1990