www.aroojzahid.com
Fulbright to Pakistan 2016

Purchase instructions: email info@fulbright.org with artist name & details of art piece

Arooj Zahid’s work incorporates a spiritual dimension as acquisition of knowledge has the status of prayer in Islam. There is an exploration of multiple themes including nostalgia, lack of totality of knowledge, and influence of hegemony upon identity through interdisciplinary works combining drawing, painting, and technology. The imagery includes scenes of nature, and elements of architecture while the theoretical basis comprises works by eminent Pakistani philosopher poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938). His philosophical poetry is re presented to counter its lack of substantial access within public spheres due to the continued influence of colonialism. A space is provided for contemplation of the relevance of his work in the postcolonial context and consequent re evaluation of identity in Pakistan.

Arooj Zahid is an interdisciplinary artist from Pakistan. She received her MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2018. She has exhibited in group shows in Pakistan, and the US including exhibitions at the National Art Gallery in Pakistan, and the Walter Otero Contemporary Art Gallery in the US. Arooj Zahid lives and works in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.