Shahzia Sikander is one of the most influential Pakistani contemporary artists, internationally recognised for redefining the tradition of Indo-Persian miniature painting within the context of contemporary art. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she began studying miniature painting during the military regime of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, a period when the discipline was considered outdated and attracted little interest among young artists. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, in 1991, where she received rigorous training under the renowned master miniaturist Bashir Ahmad. Following her graduation, she became the first woman to teach in the Department of Miniature Painting at NCA, working alongside her...