Safdar Ali Qureshi is a prominent Pakistani artist specializing in miniature painting, having completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, in 2005. Initially rooted in the traditional techniques of miniature painting, Qureshi's artistic journey evolved as he began to explore contemporary art practices. His work is distinguished by its ability to address complex societal, political, economic, and religious issues through a unique visual language that blends traditional forms with modern themes.
Qureshi has exhibited his work extensively on an international scale, with solo and group exhibitions in countries such as Oman, India, Bangladesh, Dubai, Qatar, Sharjah, London, New York, and Algiers. He has participated in prestigious art fairs and biennales, including the India Art Fair, Art Paris, Abu Dhabi Art, and the Art Biennale in Bangladesh. His contributions to the art world extend beyond exhibitions; he has conducted workshops, such as a Miniature Painting workshop in Bangladesh, and has been involved in significant cultural exchanges, including the grand Indo-Pak exhibition at the Sharjah Museum and an Art Symposium in Doha, Qatar.
In addition to his artistic practice, Qureshi has a strong academic background with seven years of teaching experience at institutions such as SABSU Jamshoro and Sindh University. He has served as a Thesis Coordinator and Juror for final thesis projects, guiding the next generation of artists. His academic contributions include numerous publications in national and international journals and catalogs. Notably, his catalog "The Webs We Weave" was published by Gandhara Art in Hong Kong. Furthermore, his work was featured in the book "This Is Now: A Geographical Guide to Cutting Edge Contemporary Art" by Giorgio Guglielmino, a significant publication representing 50 artists, which has been presented in Doha and Dhaka.
Qureshi's work continues to push the boundaries of traditional art forms, offering a poignant commentary on the issues that shape contemporary society, while also reflecting on the intricate relationship between tradition and modernity.