Shaharyar Naeem is a visual artist, educator, and curator based in Rawalpindi, specializing in miniature painting and interdisciplinary practices. His work explores the intersection of traditional techniques and contemporary concerns, often integrating digital and augmented approaches.

Education

Naeem graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the National College of Arts (NCA), Rawalpindi, in 2021. He previously completed a B.Com at Rawalpindi College of Commerce (2016).

Artistic Practice

Naeem’s art advocates for environmental consciousness, exploring the connection between human behaviour and the world around us. Using gouache, pointillism, augmented reality, and mixed media, he blends realism and surrealism to reveal the consequences of our actions. Gas masks and gears symbolize environmental complexities and our tendency to avoid accountability. His work reflects the impact of industrialization on nature, prompting introspection and inspiring change.

Teaching and Curation

Naeem has served as Thesis Advisor for Miniature Painting at NCA Rawalpindi (2024–2026), supervising final-year BFA thesis projects, and as a member of the NCA Rawalpindi curation team for annual BFA thesis exhibitions (2024–2026). In 2022–2023, he was Visiting Lecturer and Thesis Advisor at Rawalpindi Women University, where he taught Miniature Painting and contributed to the restructuring of the Miniature Painting curriculum. He has also spoken on the role of the artist in contemporary culture at Bahria University, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi Women University (2023).

Exhibitions

Naeem’s recent exhibitions include The 4x6 Edit at Zaal Contemporary Gallery, Islamabad (2026); Counterpublics at Art Scene Gallery, Karachi (2026); Ticket to the Unreal at Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore (2025); the NCA Triennale and Scope XI at NCA Lahore (2025); and Prism at The Reservoir Gallery, Lahore (2025).

Earlier shows include Essence of Era-II at Muse Art Gallery, Lahore (2024); The Wandering Ascetic at Sir Syed Memorial, Islamabad (2024); Identity at Artcade Gallery, Islamabad (2024); The Summer Show at Artsoch Contemporary Gallery, Lahore (2023); A Dance of Existence at Art Scene Gallery, Karachi (2022); 17 Emerging Talent Exhibition at VM Art Gallery, Karachi (2022); A Moment in Time at Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore (2021); the Anjuman Painting Award exhibition at Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore (2021); The Fledge Exhibition at Storia Art Gallery, Faisalabad (2021); his thesis exhibition at Potohaar Gallery, NCA Rawalpindi (2021); and Young Artist Exhibition at Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore, and Pakistan at 100 at the World Bank Gallery, Islamabad (2019).

Commissions

Naeem has completed mural commissions including Avalon Banquet Hall, Islamabad (2023); Panic Room, PC Lahore (2022, art direction and wall mural); RIZQ Organization (2019); and Sattar Baksh (2019). He also worked as Art Director and Creative Project Coordinator with Sanni Enterprises (2018–2022).