Ufaq Altaf

“Her studio practice explores cultural history, identity, religion, and power while using patterns. Often hybridizing historic and contemporary aesthetics. To the contrary of Mughal miniature paintings that are celebrated to depict the elements of beauty and ornamentation, she believes that there is always a two side of a story, and this duality is an integral part of our world—beauty and ugliness, good and evil, day and night, peace and violence, love and hate. Through her art, Ufaq blurs the lines between reality and fabrication, emphasizing that our existence is shaped by choices of play or being played.”

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CHAL DHANNO

Napkins, beyond their basic use for cleanliness, symbolize comprehensive self-care, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. In today’s world filled with products and technology, some human thought patterns still echo the 16th-century Mughal period. The story of Empress Noor Jahan, a strong woman who faced significant challenges, inspires ongoing advocacy for equality and empowerment. Similarly, hand beaters represent power dynamics and control in society.

Recent Artwork

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NO ESCAPE

Tables symbolize togetherness and bridge social divides, reflecting consistent human behavior across times and settings. During the 16th-century Mughal era, Nur Jahan gained significant political power but faced exile and destruction of her minted coins by her stepson Shah Jahan, illustrating enduring power dynamics.

I am

Ufaq Altaf

My name is Ufaq Altaf, and I am an artist based in Lahore. From a young age, I have been captivated by the power of art, which fueled my dream to attend one of Lahore’s premier institutions, the National College of Arts (NCA). I recently achieved my Master’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Visual Art. My artistic practice explores the rich tapestry of cultural history, identity, religion, and power, often merging historical and contemporary aesthetics. Through my work, I challenge the traditional dichotomies of beauty and ugliness, good and evil, depicting the complex dualities that define our existence. My art blurs the lines between reality and fabrication, emphasizing that our lives are shaped by the interplay of being active participants or passive observers.

Exhibitions

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