Name: Aaila Zahra
Born: 2002
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, December 2024
Specialization: Miniature Painting

Aaila Zahra is a Lahore-based visual artist specializing in contemporary miniature painting. Graduating from the National College of Arts (NCA) in December 2024, she trained under the institution's esteemed Miniature Painting department, which has been pivotal in reviving and evolving this traditional art form in Pakistan.

Zahra's work is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of South Asian miniature art, yet she brings a contemporary lens to her practice. Employing gouache on archival paper, she creates dense and intricate compositions that delve into personal narratives. Her primary subject is her home its architecture, foliage, weather, and the interplay of light used as metaphors to explore themes of memory, identity, and belonging. Through her meticulous technique, she transforms familiar domestic spaces into contemplative landscapes that serve as vessels for emotional and psychological experiences.

Artistic Statement
Using gouache on archival paper as my main medium, I paint dense and intricate images of my home. The building, foliage, weather, and even light serve as metaphors to express my concerns revolving around memories and the idea of home.