Fatima Khalid | Artist at Mondoir

Nationality: Pakistani

Discipline: painting

Based in: Dubai, AE

Biography

My name is Fatima Khalid, and I am a Dubai-based visual artist originally from Karachi. I hold a Master’s degree in History from Karachi University, with a specialization in Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim Art and Architecture. I also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art and a DFA in Miniature Painting from the Karachi School of Art, where I later taught from 2017 to 2024.

Artist Statement

My practice delves into the layered construction of identity in a world increasingly defined by surveillance, displacement, and digital presence. I am particularly interested in how our sense of self is shaped by the spaces we inhabit—whether physical, emotional, or virtual—and how constant observation alters the ways in which we exist and express ourselves. The recurring motif of the surveillance camera in my work reflects a broader anxiety around control, visibility, and the quiet negotiations of autonomy in contemporary life. Grounded in the visual language of South Asian miniature painting, my current series of paintings draw from its rich historical role in narrating courtly life and epic tales. I reference the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), a classical Persian text whose stories of moral conflict, valor, and fate continue to resonate. These ancient narratives mirror the internal and external struggles of our present, where battles are often psychological, political, and technological. By recontextualizing the imagery and symbolism of Shahnameh paintings, I explore how mythic archetypes like Rustam—figures of strength, conflict, and transformation—can be reframed within the realities of modern life. Through the integration of contemporary symbols such as drones and surveillance technologies, I reimagine these historic battles in a new setting shaped by modern warfare, systemic control, and digital scrutiny. This merging of classical and contemporary visual languages allows me to question what bravery, resistance, and identity look like today—and how past stories can continue to offer meaning and insight in an ever-evolving world.

Exhibitions

2025 1. ‘Eye on Hamza’, two-person show curated by Muhammad Zeeshan at O Art Space, Lahore. 2. ‘War-Fair’, 3-person show at Sanat Initiative, Karachi. 3. ‘Geometry of Canopies’, 4-person show curated by Muhammad Zeeshan at Ejaz art gallery, Lahore. 2024 1. “Grand Art Fest”, curated by Pomme Amina Gohar at Port Grand, Karachi. 2. “Open Studio”, curated by Umaina Khan at Umaina’s studio, Karachi. 3. “Art Speak 2024”, group exhibition-curated by Shahzad Saeed at Main Frame Gallery, Karachi. 4. ‘View-Self’, group exhibition in the metaverse, features the woks of 4 artists who completed one-month virtual residency organized by Nexus art space and i.e. art projects. 5. ‘Gardesh Mein Tare Rahe Ge Sada’, curated by FS Karachi Wala at Sanat Initiative, Karachi. 2023: 1. “From the River to the Sea’, an online exhibition- curated by Khamsa, Lahore. 2. “I Carry a Mountain with Me”, curated by FS Karachi Wala at Kayal Courtyard, Karachi. 3. “Frozen Melody 80.1”, curated by Ayesha Waseem, Javeria Qazi at Gallery Full Circle, Karachi. 4. “Women, Arts and Social Change”, Organized by CHQ and curated by Tehmina Maknojia at NAPA Karachi 5. "Sormiyon, Women artists of Sindh," curated by Sehar Shah Rizvi at Sambara Art Gallery, Karachi. 6. "Feminist Charisma, Season 3," curated by Samina Mumtaz at Artciti Gallery, Karachi. 7. "Nazar-e-Sani, Revisiting the Archives," curated by Sannia Bilal at Revivers Galleria, Lahore. 2022: 1. "The Speaking Walls," curated by FS Karachi Wala at The Main Frame Gallery, Karachi. 2. "The Female Alliance," curated by Zareen Khan at 8B2 Gallery by Fatima Hamid, Islamabad. 3. "MMXXII," Group exhibition curated by Babar Mughal at Gallery Full Circle Karachi, Pakistan. 4. "Enthralling," Virtual exhibition curated by Cosmopolitan Art Magazine, Pakistan. 5. "Beyond the Land," group exhibition curated by Seemal Ahmed at Muse Art Gallery, Lahore. 6. "Artfestkhi22," curated by Abdul Jabbar Gull at Sambara Art Gallery, Karachi. 7. "Dareechey," organized by Kiran Foundation at Koel Gallery, Karachi. 8. "Women of Resilience," curated by Samina Mumtaz at Art One Karachi. 9. "Stars of Tomorrow," curated by Imtisal Zafar at Pakistan Art Forum Gallery, Lahore. 2021: 1. "ALHAMRA 3rd National Exhibition," organized by Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra), at Alhamra Art Gallery Lahore. 2. "An Ode to Windows," group exhibition, curated by Romila Kareem at Chawkandi Art Karachi. 3. "Ray of Hope," group exhibition, featuring works of women artists from different countries, curated by Zehra Fatima, Co-curator Sarwat Nasim Shah at Art Chowk Karachi. 4. "Gender Through Art," group exhibition, featuring works of contemporary artists from Karachi, on international women’s day at T2F Karachi. 2020: 1. "Art Influx," Curated by Hira Siddique, Robella Ahmed, Umnah Lareb, Maha Ashraf organized by E-Exhibitions, at Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore. 2. "Notions of the Individual, Conceptions of The Collective," Curated by Victoria Luzuriage Bastidas, online exhibition consisting of 9 international artists, New York USA. 3. "Alienation," Virtual Exhibition, featuring works by 24 contemporary artists from all over Pakistan, curated by Roma Ali, Islamabad. 4. "A World Anthology of Poetry and Art COVID19," compiled and edited by Mahnaz Badihian, San Francisco. 5. "The Online Juried Art Show," organized by Phil Gilchrist, Executive Director Anton Art Center, Mount Clemens, Michigan, United States. 6. "ART IN ISOLATION," Collective art exhibition organized by North Dakota Art Museum, North Folks, ND, United States. 7. "MARZA 2020," Exposicion Collectiva, curated by Isa Duarte, at Cultural Center Casa De Pepino, Argentina. 8. "Co/antivirus," online international exhibition organized by a French gallery NY20+, WE NEED ART, initiated by CHENGDU NY International Art Village, Supported by Western Cultural Industry Center, HEYTEA, Auckland International Gallery, Sichuan Kaiming Painting Academy. 9. "Daachi art and craft exhibition," curated by Nillofer Farrukh in ASNA gallery at Karachi Expo Center. 2019: 1. "Jewel Art Exhibition," Group show of nine artists organized by Arcade, in Collaboration with Atiqa Odho at Marriott Hotel Islamabad. 2. "Islamabad Art Festival 19" at Sir Syed Memorial Auditorium, Islamabad, curated by Tayyaba Aziz. 3. "Where Future Lies" at Art Chowk the Gallery, Karachi. 2018: 1. "Living Tradition" at VM Art Gallery, Karachi. 2. "From Here to There" at Art Kaam Gallery, Karachi curated by Mehreen Hashmi. 3. "Baad-e-Saba Season 2," a Grand Annual Exhibition of Artists from Sindh at Clifton art gallery, Karachi. 2017: 1. "Pop up Art show”, organized by Art across Pakistan, at Art Lane Gallery, Karachi. 2. "Out on the Box" at ALLIANCE FRANCAISE, Karachi art summit curated by Mehreen Hashmi. 3. "Inquiry" at Studio Seven art gallery curated by Zayyana Kamran. 2016: 1. "Seeds of Change" thesis display, at VM Art Gallery, Karachi.

Awards

My interview and work were published in Nigaah Art Magazine in 2025. Articles discussing my recent exhibitions and practice were also published in Dawn News in 2025. In addition, several writers and critics have written about my work in leading newspapers, including The News Pakistan, reflecting sustained critical engagement with my practice. I recently collaborated with Rangdasti as part of their Artist Interpretation Series for their recent launch, where my artwork was featured as a creative response to the collection and published alongside the launch articles.

Education

Education M.A. in History (Specialization in Hindu, Buddhist & Muslim Art & Architecture) University of Karachi, Pakistan — 2022 Diploma in Fine Arts (Miniature Painting) Karachi School of Art, Pakistan — 2012–2016 Certification in Khatai Art Rangoonwala Institute (King school of traditional art, London), Pakistan___2017 B.A. in Arts Khatoon-e-Pakistan College, Pakistan — 2003 Professional Experience Lecturer, Miniature Painting & Drafting Karachi School of Art — 2017–2024 Artist-in-Residence Nexus Art Space (Tokyo-based) — 2024 - Explored themes of surveillance, identity, and cultural fragmentation. - Engaged in dialogue with other international artists and presented work-in-progress to the public.

Fatima Khalid | Artist at Mondoir

Biography

Artist Statement

Exhibitions

Awards

Education

Artworks by Fatima Khalid

Bloom-veillance

Lords of the Lens

Kingdom of Shadows

The Gaze and the Beloved