An intimate conversation with Shanzay Subzwari, delving into her artistic vision, inspirations, and the evolution of her practice.
I’ve followed Shanzay Subzwari’s work for years, captivated by her intricate blend of contemporary elements with traditional themes; sometimes complex and sometimes easy to decode, her work is a unique blend of simplicity and complexity. So, when the chance finally arose to sit down with her for an interview, I was eager to dive into the mind behind the currency-inspired artworks that have fascinated many. Our conversation unfolded interestingly with the energy of her creativity, where paintings and ideas seemed to leap from every corner.
Her dialogue deliverance challenges spectators to evaluate the value of money beyond its conventional idea. This curiosity drove my first question: “What inspired you to choose currency notes as your medium? Was it a commentary on society’s obsession with money?”
Shanzay’s answer reflected a mix of nostalgia and excitement. “When I was in my third year at IVS,” she began, “we were encouraged to explore innovative concepts for our contemporary miniature painting class. My brother was an avid currency collector, and I noticed a similarity between the detailed borders of currency notes and Mughal miniature paintings.”
“I started to paint pop culture and socio-political symbology on them, and there was no looking back. What intrigues me about currency is its lack of intrinsic value—it’s worth what society decides to place on it. Money runs the world in every way.” Her expression revealed a deep fascination with the symbolism behind her chosen medium, making it clear that her art reflects societal values.
As we discussed her work’s mesmerizing array of characters, birds, and cultural figures, I asked her about the creative process. Shanzay’s face softened as she described her inspirations. “I draw from the world around me—nature, politics, pop culture, the human condition,” she said. “My process is intuitive and playful, strongly focused on storytelling and symbolism.” It was evident that her art is a dialogue between her mind and the world she observes, each piece a story that reflects her current thoughts and emotions.
When the conversation turned to how the art world is evolving and how she looks at it she said, “I wish for a more inclusive and accessible art world, especially for young, emerging artists,”. Her voice carried the weight of experience, of having navigated a scene that often favors established names over new ones. “It would be amazing to see more platforms that support young artists, and internationally, more consistent opportunities without needing contacts.” There was a passion in her voice, a genuine hope for change in an industry that she deeply cares about.
Being interviewing artists for a long time and conversing with them off-record about their struggles, they often mention the pressure of creating art to please the galleries instead of what they want to produce. Shanzay also sheds light on the fact that how artists feel drained from creating primarily for exhibitions. “Yes, it’s common to feel that way. As artists, we need to remind ourselves why we started creating in the first place—for the love of art itself. But to survive, we must strike a delicate balance between making art for oneself and being commercially successful.” Her words revealed the inner tug-of-war between artistic integrity and the reality of making a living—a struggle that many artists face.
Shanzay’s collaboration with Sadaf Fawad Khan marked an exciting period in her artistic journey. It not only boosted her art career but also brought an unexpected opportunity to enter the fashion industry. She recounted, “One day, I got an inbox from Sadaf Fawad Khan saying she loved my work. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was real!” She laughed, recalling her initial disbelief. “But after our phone call, it was amazing to hear that my art was popular in Lahore. The 1-rupee currency piece I made became part of SFK’s clutch bags, and seeing celebrities like Mahira Khan share it was surreal.” Her enthusiasm was palpable, as if she was reliving the excitement of that moment.
Shanzay has been multi-tasking using her skills to the most at any platform to also educate people for which she started a project called Art Lounge – her self-started series of interviews. “I love hosting—I’ve even worked at a radio station when I was 19. When I couldn’t find an opportunity to host on TV, I decided to create my own. I thought Art Lounge would be a great way to highlight people from various backgrounds. I hope to turn this into something bigger, maybe a podcast or a TV show.” It was clear that her passion for storytelling extended beyond her visual art, revealing her desire to give voice to others’ stories too.
Shanzay Subzwari’s art is more than just a visual exploration—it’s a nuanced dialogue about value, culture, and the intersections of tradition and modernity. Her ability to transform everyday currency into a medium that provokes thought and challenges perceptions is a testament to her skill and vision.
As Wassily Kandinsky insightfully remarked in “Concerning the Spiritual in Art,” “The artist must have something to say, for mastery over form is not his goal, but rather the adapting of form to its inner meaning.” Shanzay’s work invites us to look beyond the surface of what is familiar and confront the deeper narratives hidden within. Her currency pieces, rich with symbolism and cultural references, remind us that art is not merely about aesthetics but about evoking a response—urging us to reconsider our relationship with money, value, and meaning in contemporary life. In a world often governed by materialism, Shanzay Subzwari’s art remains an extraordinary reminder that the true worth of an object is often found in the stories it holds.