From the very beginning of her artistic journey, Dr. Samina Zaheer has been deeply curious about her national identity—shaped by history and the vibrant realities of the society around her. This curiosity consistently finds expression in her artwork. At times, it emerges through architectural forms and visual elements inspired by truck art, historical books, posters, and public walls. While these references may vary in prominence, one constant throughout her practice has been the use of the English alphabet, reflecting the lasting impact of the colonial era and its enduring presence within the structural fabric of society.

Calligraphy is another significant element in her work, symbolizing Islamic heritage and cultural roots. Living in a postcolonial era, she remains deeply engaged with the awareness of Western hegemony. The writings of Edward Said, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, and Homi K. Bhabha have profoundly influenced her perspective. The ideology of postcolonial critique has always been central to her conceptual exploration, as suppression inevitably gives rise to resistance and reflection.

Her homeland—its spirit, soul, and place within the global landscape—continues to be her primary source of inspiration. The title of every solo exhibition she has held, as well as the visual narratives she has created, revolves around one central theme: Identity.

Her visual language is closely connected to a regional color palette derived from native aesthetics, including truck art and other cultural metaphors. At times, these influences appear as recognizable imagery; at others, they emerge as abstract fields of color. Over more than two decades of artistic exploration, she has experimented with diverse approaches to image-making and technique, ranging from semi-abstract compositions to fully abstract expressionism.

Dr. Samina Zaheer is an accomplished academic and visual artist with several decades of experience in higher education in Pakistan. She has taught at several prestigious institutions in Lahore, including Technology College for Women, Government College for Women Gulberg, and the University of Home Economics, Lahore. She is also the founder and former Head of the Department of Home Economics at the University of Home Economics, Lahore.

As a visual artist, Dr. Samina Zaheer’s practice engages with contemporary visual culture and the evolving landscape of the modern world. Her work explores current artistic practices while addressing themes relevant to contemporary society, maintaining a strong connection to artistic tradition.

She has actively participated in numerous exhibitions across Pakistan and internationally. Her work has been showcased at prestigious venues, including the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Islamabad, Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore, and other leading institutions. Dr. Samina Zaheer continues to contribute to both academia and the arts through her teaching, mentorship, research, and creative practice.

Dr Samina Zaheer
Founder,Former
Head of Department Fine Arts
Home Economics University