Riyadh-based Artist Zainab Anwar: A Colorful Journey
In the bustling city of Riyadh, Pakistani artist Zainab Anwar’s captivating work bursts with vibrant colors and surrealistic portrayals of South Asian and Arab cultures. Her focus is on addressing the challenges faced by women and girls in society.
Anwar, now 24, was born in Pakistan but moved to Saudi Arabia at the age of 8. Growing up in the capital city, she attended Manarat Riyadh International School before leaving for university in Canada at 18. She has since returned to the Kingdom to continue her artistic journey.
Riyadh-based Pakistani artist Zainab Anwar’s work is shaped by living in Saudi Arabia, with some works focusing on the challenges women and girls face in society. (Supplied/Adam Studio)
“I grew up here surrounded by people from diverse cultures. However, I noticed a lack of interaction between families of different backgrounds outside of school. This inspired me to create cross-cultural art that represents the experiences of South Asians living in the Middle East,” Anwar explained.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Zainab Anwar, 24, was born in Pakistan and moved to Saudi Arabia when she was 8 years old.
• She spent her formative years in the capital, attending Manarat Riyadh International School.
• Bright and colorful backdrops inspired by Pakistani truck art are Anwar’s artistic signature.
Anwar’s artistic journey began with portraying Pakistani women in various settings. She then shifted focus to depict darker-skinned and hairy women, challenging beauty standards that often led to bullying among girls of Arab and South Asian descent.
Riyadh-based Pakistani artist Zainab Anwar’s work is shaped by living in Saudi Arabia, with some works focusing on the challenges women and girls face in society. (Supplied/Adam Studio)
Art became Anwar’s outlet for dealing with mental health issues, as she used surrealist art to express her struggles with depression and anxiety. Through her art, she aims to shed light on social issues and mental health stigmas.
Riyadh-based Pakistani artist Zainab Anwar’s work is shaped by living in Saudi Arabia, with some works focusing on the challenges women and girls face in society. (Supplied/Adam Studio)
According to Anwar, art has the power to bring attention to difficult topics like sexual harassment and unrealistic beauty standards that women and girls face. Her bright and colorful backdrops, inspired by Pakistani truck art, serve as a signature element in her work.
“The main source of inspiration for the colors I use in paintings is Pakistani culture,” she explained. “Truck art in Pakistan, with its vibrant colors, has influenced my use of bold hues in my artwork.”
Riyadh-based Pakistani artist Zainab Anwar’s work is shaped by living in Saudi Arabia, with some works focusing on the challenges women and girls face in society. (Supplied/Adam Studio)
Anwar’s portfolio showcases her experimentation with various mediums like ink, pencil, photography, and traditional art forms such as embroidery. Currently, she prefers using acrylic paints for her creations.
While her art often reflects South Asian and Arab cultures, Anwar believes that women from all backgrounds can relate to her work. “I depict universal experiences of womanhood in my art, and people appreciate the cross-cultural representation in my work,” she said.
Her goal is to capture the full spectrum of human emotions in her art, from joy to sorrow, to create a meaningful impact on society for both the artist and the viewer.