Awais Naqvi

Born in Lahore, Pakistan in 1982, this visual artist is known for a thoughtful and concept-driven practice that explores memory, landscape, identity, and the social realities of the contemporary world. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the College of Art & Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore in 2013, he went on to obtain a Master of Fine Arts from the same institution in 2017. He currently lives and works in Lahore, where he is also associated with teaching at the College of Art & Design, University of the Punjab.

Over the years, his work has been presented in numerous exhibitions, residencies, and art festivals in Pakistan, including participation in the Islamabad Art Festival at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, the Karbath artist residency programme, Karbathians Lahore Biennale collateral exhibition at Alhamra Art Gallery, and the Winter Residency at Mantiq of the Mantis, Lahore. His works are part of private and institutional collections, including the Ambiance Boutique Art Hotels collection. In recognition of his artistic achievement, he received the Young Artist Award at the 13th Annual Young Artist Exhibition in 2017, along with several national prizes in painting, portraiture, and drawing.

The practice reflects a deep engagement with themes of history, borders, environment, and human relationships with nature and society. Rivers, seas, animals, and landscapes frequently appear as symbolic elements, representing continuity, displacement, and the shared experiences that transcend geographical boundaries. The work also reflects on conflict, migration, environmental change, and the psychological spaces created by modern life.

Through painting and mixed visual language, the artist seeks to question accepted ideas of beauty, identity, and belonging, encouraging viewers to look beyond appearances and to reflect on the connections between culture, memory, and the changing world around us.