Aisha Khalid, who has been a central figure in neo-miniature movement since the 1990s, is known for her intricate compositions that fuse geometry, pattern, and symbolism
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Nov 6th, 2025) Renowned contemporary artist Aisha Khalid’s major exhibition, *Scattering stars Like Dust*, is set to captivate audiences at the National College of Arts (NCA) Triennial 2025. Featuring over 45 artworks created between 2000 and 2025, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look into Khalid’s evolving artistic practice and her exploration of both personal and political themes.
The exhibition spans two venues: The Barracks Museum of Arts in Nasser Bagh and Studio IQ in Lahore. These spaces serve as a dynamic backdrop to Khalid's work, creating a conversation between history and contemporary art. Together, they reflect Khalid’s unique ability to merge traditional techniques with modern issues, offering a deep reflection on power, spirituality, and the socio-political realities of today’s world.
Among the key highlights of the exhibition is a powerful new body of work responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This new series marks a pivotal shift in Khalid’s artistic language, as she delves into the emotional and visual complexities of war and conflict. Through her signature miniature painting technique, Khalid expands the boundaries of this centuries-old tradition, pushing it into new realms of expression and impact.
Khalid, who has been a central figure in the neo-miniature movement since the 1990s, is known for her intricate compositions that fuse geometry, pattern, and symbolism. Her works often intersect the realms of personal reflection, global politics, and spirituality, drawing on her deep-rooted connections to Eastern aesthetics and philosophy.
Born in Faisalabad and raised in Interior Sindh, Khalid’s worldview is shaped by her experiences in Pakistan and her studies abroad. After completing her education at the National College of Arts, Lahore, she furthered her artistic training at the prestigious Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam. Since then, her work has been exhibited at major institutions worldwide, including the Venice Biennale (2009), Sharjah Biennale (2011), Moscow Biennale (2013), and the Lahore Biennale (2018), among many others.
Khalid’s public art projects, such as the monumental mural You Are the Universe in Ecstatic Motion (2018) at Islamabad International Airport, have made a lasting impact. Her work is also featured in leading museum collections globally, including those of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Accompanying the exhibition will be a fully illustrated catalogue, providing insight into Khalid’s rich artistic journey and the evolution of her practice over the years.
