Soraya Sikander, a critically acclaimed award-winning contemporary South Asian Artist, and MDSVAD Alumna got featured in Gulf Today’s edition published on February 13, 2023.

The article titled “Soraya Sikander’s art: Kaleidoscope of diversity, gateway to new worlds” explores Soraya’s art inspired by memories, travel, and heritage.

Article Excerpt:

“Soraya Sikander is a critically acclaimed, award-winning contemporary South Asian artist known for her landscapes and organic forms. Born to an Indian father and Pakistani mother, she is well-travelled – the diversity is reflected in her art. Her paintings depict the landscapes of countries she has visited and of her hometowns, Lahore and Karachi. Working in oil and acrylics on canvas, Sikander is renowned for inventing her pioneering “Calligraphy Landscapes”.

Calligraphy landscape combines elements of Islamic calligraphy, particularly the letter ‘Alif’ to create slim, silhouette trees, akin to mangroves, set against the dramatic, tonal backdrop of Pakistani landscapes. The paintings reference actual locations, describing the idea of being at a place - as seen through the mind’s eye.

She trained in fine arts through the London Atelier of Representational Arts, and University College London’s Slade summer school. So far, she has held over twenty four international group and solo exhibitions at galleries and museums worldwide and her paintings have featured in international auctions, including Bonhams. She is also a TEDx art speaker.”

Soraya Sikander is one of today’s leading contemporary South Asian artists known for her landscapes and organic forms. The artist has been ranked as one of Pakistan’s best known painters making it big internationally, listed as ‘Artist to watch’. Soraya works in oil and acrylics on canvas and is internationally renowned for inventing her pioneering Calligraphy Landscapes. Recognition for her work has come through critical acclaim and nonstop sold-out exhibitions. She is also a TEDx art speaker. Soraya Sikander trained in fine arts through the London Atelier of Representational Arts, and University College London Slade School of Fine Art summer intensive."

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Soraya Sikander’s art: Kaleidoscope of diversity, gateway to new worlds

About the Artist:

Soraya Sikander is one of today’s leading contemporary South Asian artists known for her landscapes and organic forms. The artist has been ranked as one of Pakistan’s best known painters making it big internationally, listed as ‘Artist to watch’. Soraya works in oil and acrylics on canvas and is internationally renowned for inventing her pioneering Calligraphy Landscapes. Recognition for her work has come through critical acclaim and nonstop sold-out exhibitions. She is also a TEDx art speaker. Soraya Sikander trained in fine arts through the London Atelier of Representational Arts, and University College London Slade School of Fine Art summer intensive.

Her art has been reviewed by: China News, HELLO! Magazine, OK!, The National, Khaleej Times, Gulf News, The Gulf Today, Dahabiya, Al Bilad, Jaffat El Aqlam, Artlyst, etc. Soraya Sikander has held over twenty four international group and solo exhibitions at premier galleries and museums worldwide including: Beijing Biennale 2019, Beijing Biennale 2017 (National Art Museum of China), Galerie Patries Van Dorst (Netherlands), Etihad Modern (Abu Dhabi), National Museum of Bangladesh (Dhaka museum), La Galleria Pall Mall, Royal Opera Arcade (London), Unicorn Gallery (Karachi, Lahore), Alhamra Art Gallery (Lahore), Sharjah Heritage Museum, The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) RAK Fine Art Fair, Lahore Biennale, etc.

Soraya Sikander has been awarded the prestigious “Golden Visa” for excellence in the arts by the Government of The United Arab Emirates.