
Meher Afroze
Meher Afroz was born in 1948 in Lucknow, India. She graduated with honors in Fine Arts from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Lucknow, in 1971. Following her graduation, she relocated to Karachi, Pakistan, where she has been based ever since.
Artistic Practice
Afroz's artistic practice is deeply rooted in cultural, spiritual, and philosophical themes. Her work often explores comparative religions and cultural narratives, employing layered surfaces, repetitive motifs, and symbolic imagery to evoke a meditative and introspective experience. She utilizes diverse materials such as acrylics, gold and silver leaf, thread, wood, and handmade paper, crafting pieces that are both tactile and conceptually rich.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
Throughout her career, Afroz has produced several notable series, including "Mask and Puppet" (1988–89), "Portrait" (1990–91), "Amulet" (1992–93), "Zindaan" (2001), "Pindaar" (2002–03), "Dastaavez" (2007), and "Naqsh-bar-Aab" (2012). Her works have been exhibited extensively both within Pakistan and internationally, in countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iraq, France, Hong Kong, and Australia.
Recognition and Awards
In recognition of her significant contributions to the arts, Afroz was awarded the President’s Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2015. She also received an Honorable Mention at the 6th Asian Biennale in Bangladesh in 1993.
Educational Contributions
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Afroz is a dedicated educator, serving as a senior faculty member at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi. She is also a founding member of ASNA, a non-commercial organization committed to the exhibition and documentation of arts and crafts in Pakistan.