Art Dubai 2025, from April 16 - 20, erupted with a spectrum of color, high energy, and creativity, however, I found it interesting how Pakistani
Art Dubai 2025, from April 16 – 20, erupted with a spectrum of color, high energy, and creativity, however, I found it interesting how Pakistani artists were powerful in their self-assertion this year. As Dubai’s dazzling skyline was putting the finishing touches to the fair at Madinat Jumeirah, the whole art scene was tangible without borders. There was no doubt that voices from Pakistan were claiming their space boldly and authentically.
Dubai Art Fair has always been a hit for contemporary artists all over the globe, but something was different in 2025. The fair has transformed beyond being purely commercial, and now exists as a forum for synergy and dialogue between cultures. Pakistani artists’ participation, from undiscovered, upcoming stars to seasoned, established names, showed how much the Pakistani art industry has progressed.
This year a few Pakistani artists really brought their perspectives to Art Dubai. Their works tackled deep reflection, like identity, memory, politics, and spirituality.
Faiza Butt is a prominent name alongside Anwar Saeed at Grosvenor Gallery, where they Wowed everyone with the exhibition “The Male Figure.” Masculinity in South Asia was meticulously illustrated and painted to capture the dual feeling of vulnerability and strength through intricate drawings. Butt’s work was equally contemporary and traditional which made the identity construction and reconstruction in a world so fluid haunting.
Right From there, Huma Mulji with her off-the-beaten contributions and stunning out of the box thinking grabbed everyone’s focus. Her installations addressing urban development in the growing cities of Pakistan were bold and captivating questioning the norm. Sponsored by Project 88, she had the most absurd yet serious pieces that fused cultures showing the violent thrust of modernization on local cultures.
Then we had Waqas Khan, with his extremely detailed ink drawings that one can consider as meditative. He showcased his work at his solo exhibition at Galerie Krinzinger and it added intensity to the already remarkable body of work he had. It is made clear that Khan’s work is no longer simply beautiful; it’s a haunting farewell to that silence claiming the spaces between sound.
It wasn’t only the major art world figures stealing the spotlight – both Maha and Waseem Ahmed, awarded for reinventing the miniature tradition, also showcased their work. The stunning creatures that Maha has painted seem to hover between the realms of memory and modernity, conjuring conflict, evoking nostalgia, and hope for a less conflict-riddled future. Waseem, whose works were displayed by LATITUDE 28, sculpted political commentaries using contemporary historical miniatures. His delicate brushwork set the scene for remarkable sadness, linking the past and an uncertain present.
Noor Ali Chagani, another artist whose work was on display at LATITUDE 28, contributed a striking piece that depicted walls both physical as well as emotional. Employing miniature brickwork, Chagani mirrors the stigma of isolation which many sense in the world today, be it through migration, culture, or self-identity. His sculptures stood testament to the idea that even the tiniest, most delicate parts can serve to create walls or bridges.
The rise of digital art and NFTs has taken over the global art scene, and Pakistan isn’t lagging. Sara Rahman, a digital artist, used Art Dubai 2025 to debut her project The Prayer Rugs of Dataistan, a fusion of ancient textile patterns and blockchain technology. Her NFTs—each piece unique—were snapped up by collectors, but more importantly, they sparked conversations about the intersection of technology, art, and cultural heritage. Rahman’s work isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake; it’s about using digital mediums to tell deeply personal stories.
What was especially remarkable about Art Dubai 2025 was the dialogue it sparked. It wasn’t just about the art on the walls; it was about the conversations happening in the corridors, in the cafés, and at the panels. Pakistani artists didn’t just display their works; they engaged with the audience, challenging perceptions, unpacking history, and offering insights into their creative processes. The fair featured discussions on post-colonial identities, contemporary aesthetics, and the role of tradition in art, giving a platform for voices that have often been overlooked in mainstream global conversations.
As the final day of Art Dubai 2025 came to a close, there was a palpable sense that this was just the beginning. Artists from all over the world had carved their place within the global dialogue, not by being “different” but by staying true to their voices, their histories, and their evolving identities. The fair had offered them a stage, but it was their authenticity and bravery in expressing complex, multifaceted ideas that left an indelible mark.
Art Dubai 2025 will be remembered not just for the works of art but for the bold, unapologetic narratives brought to life by artists. They didn’t just participate—they defined the future of art, one piece at a time.
