​Aakif Suri, born in 1982 in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan, is a prominent contemporary artist known for his innovative approach to miniature painting and mixed-media art. He currently resides and works in Lahore, where he also contributes to the academic art community.

Education and Academic Career
Suri completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Miniature Painting from the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, in 2006, and later earned his Master of Arts in Visual Arts from the same institution in 2017. In 2018, he was awarded the Charles Wallace Trust Fellowship, which enabled him to study at the Prince's School of Traditional Arts in London. ​

In addition to his artistic practice, Suri has held academic positions at several institutions, including the National College of Arts, the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), and Beaconhouse National University (BNU) in Lahore.

Artistic Practice
Suri's work is characterized by a deep engagement with both personal and political themes. He employs a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and animal hair, to create mixed-media pieces that explore concepts of identity, power structures, and societal divisions. His process often involves techniques like cutting, stitching, and burning, serving as metaphors for the complexities and contradictions within society.

Exhibitions and Recognition
Suri has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. Notable exhibitions include the Lahore Art Biennial (2018), Karachi Art Biennial (2017), Art Basel in Switzerland (2012), Melbourne Art Fair in Australia (2012), and Slick Art Fair in Paris (2010). His artworks are part of various private and official collections and have been featured in multiple art publications worldwide.