Sahar Shah Rizvi, a graduate with honors from the Centre of Excellence in Arts and Design at Mehran University, is an award-winning visual artist, poet, and the founder of the Visionary Art Alliance
By Ramesh Raja
“Hundred Heroes” Exhibition: A Tribute to Pakistan’s Unsung Icons.
I had the honor of attending Sahar Shah Rizvi’s two-day exhibition, Hundred Heroes, a heartfelt tribute to Pakistan’s forgotten heroes and heroines. Organized by the Visionary Art Alliance (VAA) and hosted by the Sindh Culture Department, Government of Sindh, the exhibition was held at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi on 7th-8th September. It was an enriching experience that drew a large and engaged audience.
A Journey from Pain to Paintings
Sahar Shah Rizvi’s personal statement revealed the depth of her journey, where she transformed her grief into art. Losing her brother, Paras Shah, who had been her greatest supporter, was a painful blow, but she turned her sorrow into a source of healing. “Painting became a solace,” she said, as she honored national heroes through her artistic work. Each portrait in Hundred Heroes carries the legacy of a figure who shaped Pakistan’s history, from Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai to Rasool Bux Palijo to Mai Jindo and beyond. These figures taught her lessons in observation, justice, rebellion, and resilience, all of which are reflected in her evocative works.
Sahar’s creative project took root during the global uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, where she launched a campaign to honor both celebrated and unsung heroes. She streamed live sessions of her art creation, drawing an overwhelming response from millions of viewers on social media.
A Visionary Artist
Sahar, a graduate with honors from the Centre of Excellence in Arts and Design at Mehran University, is an award-winning visual artist, poet, and the founder of the Visionary Art Alliance. Her expertise in miniature painting has earned her national and international recognition, including the prestigious “Best Young Miniature Artist Award” in 2016. Her recent exhibition, inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, showcased not only her technical brilliance but also her passion for preserving cultural heritage through art.
Read: Art as a Catalyst for Intellectual Growth in Children
Her work goes beyond mere portraits; it incorporates traditional motifs like the Sindhi Ajrak, adding layers of meaning to her art. By depicting iconic female figures such as Benazir Bhutto and Maryam Mukhtiar, Sahar emphasizes the pivotal role of women in shaping Pakistan’s history. She also addresses critical social issues like education, poverty, and women’s rights, using her art as a vehicle for advocacy.
A Lasting Impact
Sahar Shah Rizvi’s dedication to her craft is unwavering, even in the face of limited support for the arts in Pakistan. She invests her personal resources into her work, aiming to make art accessible and inspiring to the public. Her exhibitions, live sessions, and collaborations with cultural organizations continue to bring art to the forefront of societal conversations.
The Call to Action
It is essential that we, as a society, support artists like Sahar Shah Rizvi. By attending exhibitions, sharing her work on social media, purchasing her pieces, and offering professional guidance, we help amplify her voice and broaden her impact. Investing in her art not only strengthens her mission but also fosters the growth of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
Sahar’s journey is a testament to the power of art in preserving history, connecting generations, and inspiring future artists. Her exhibition, Hundred Heroes, is more than just an art show—it’s a cultural revolution, a poignant reminder that art can be a tool for change, unity, and hope.
Read: Chitra Pritam – The Visionary Artist
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The author of this article, Engr. Ramesh Raja, PMP, is a Civil Engineer and visionary planner. He holds a senior position in the National Highway Authority under the Ministry of Communications, Government of Pakistan. He possesses a Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering and holds the globally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. He is also a literary enthusiast with a great passion for art and recreation. He can be reached at engineer.raja@gmail.com
So nice