Anila Zulfiqar is a distinguished contemporary Pakistani artist, educator, and writer based in Lahore. Born in 1975, she has dedicated her career to exploring the intersection of memory, imagination, and urban heritage through painting and mixed media.

Early Life and Education
Growing up in the historic Walled City of Lahore, Anila was deeply influenced by its rich cultural and architectural landscape. Her artistic journey began in childhood, nurtured by a family that valued education and creativity. She attended PR Saint Andrew’s High School and later pursued Fine Arts at Queen Mary College, Lahore. Anila earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with a gold medal from the Institute of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore, in 1999. She is currently completing her M.Phil. in studio practice at the same institution .

Artistic Practice
Anila's work is characterized by vibrant, textured landscapes that blend elements of impressionism with conceptual abstraction. Her paintings often depict dreamlike cityscapes, reflecting her personal experiences and subconscious memories. She employs rich colors and layered brushstrokes to evoke the essence of places and emotions, rather than their literal representations .

A significant focus of her recent work is the disappearing architecture of old Lahore. Anila views these structures as metaphors for the evolving role of women in society, suggesting that buildings, like individuals, possess unique identities and histories .

Exhibitions and Recognition
Since 1994, Anila has participated in numerous group exhibitions and held five solo shows. Notably, her 2016 solo exhibition, "Seeking the Unconscious," featured over 30 oil-on-canvas pieces that delved into the realms of memory and imagination . Her work has been displayed in prominent national and international galleries, earning her recognition for her evocative portrayal of urban heritage .

Teaching and Writing
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Anila serves as a lecturer at the College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore . She is also an accomplished writer, contributing essays and articles on South Asian art and culture to various academic and art journals .