"The path continues to guide my visual research into the space around me, while I take reference from the physical markings of the world and the non-physical realm of the mind. Having used surrounding spaces as a continuity of my canvas, I have moved on to create new 'spaces' within the paintings themselves, in form of passages, enclosures and sometimes even light. I construct these maps, not just to familiarize myself with these spaces, but also subconsciously to navigate through the past and future as a means of returning to the self. "
Wardha Shabbir (b. 1987) lives and works in the city of Lahore, Pakistan where she graduated from National College Of Arts with an honors in 2011, followed by the prestigious Principal Honor Award. Wardha has been awarded with many scholarships, grants and was also selected for an exchange program in Paris, 2010 with (ECOLE) during her Academic years (2007-11). She has been awarded the best young artist Award from AL-Hamra Art Gallery, Lahore, Pakistan (2011). She is also an Educationist and is teaching at National college of Arts, Lahore- Pakistan since 2013. She is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor.
Since her graduation Wardha has been widely displaying on both National and International platforms. She was the first artist from Pakistan selected for FLACC, Belgium where she initiated a research-based experiment on human Sensorium while transforming a 2D miniature painting into a 3D Interactive Environment. In 2016, she became part of the Summer Intensive Program at The Slade School Of Fine Arts, London, UK. She has been part of DAS (Dhaka Art Summit), Scope (Basel), Contemporary Istanbul (Turkey), Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Indian Art Fair and various group and Solo exhibitions both on National and International level.
Wardha was amongst the finalist for the prestigious Jameel Art Prize 5- Victoria & Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom where her works have also been shown and will be travelling to other venues -most recent is the Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai, 2019.
She has also been nominated twice for the Sovereign Art Prize in 2019 and 2020.
Shabbir's work is in well-reputed private and corporate collections in Switzerland, Berlin, Dubai, Royal family of Abu Dhabi, Various prominent collectors in India and Pakistan, New York, Canada and London.