M A S O O M A R I Z V I

M A S O O M A R I Z V I is an award winning Pakistani artist based in the UK. After exploring living in different parts of the world including Egypt and South Africa, she settled in Dubai. Each distinctive cultural experience has contributed to the development of her practice, allowing it to evolve into the signature fusion of traditional calligraphy and mystical abstraction it is today.
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Masooma's work is concerned with universal connection and this drives her to work collaboratively as an artist and curator in both the commercial and charity sectors. She founded the OverSeas Pakistani Artists Fraternity (#ospaf) in 2017 to connect artists and give international exposure to art from Pakistan. In 2020, Masooma was selected as one of 12 artists across the UAE to depict the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) of the United Nations in her highly prized artwork of bees.
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Over her decade living in Dubai, her work was regularly exhibited, collected and commissioned by her loyal international following in the UAE, Pakistan, India, North America and Canada. Commissions include murals and portraits, namely for Sheikh Zayed, courtesy of the Pakistan Association, Dubai, to celebrate unity and friendship between Pakistan and the UAE. As a leading calligraphy artist, Masooma ran workshops across schools, companies and leads private tutoring to individuals, including members of the royal family.
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ARTIST STATEMENT
I believe that art allows us to express our true feelings. It lets our inner-self show. Through my art, I intend to connect to people, not only on the physical scale, but also on a deeper level.
A self-taught artist, my work revolves around Arabic calligraphy & the Sufi concepts. I merge the traditional khattati (calligraphy) & the modern use of colours, to create work that touches the soul and leaves the mind activated.
I enjoy abstracting words into expressive mark making, using different mediums to accentuate this: a blend of acrylic and inks allows me to feel free to flow as well as focus on the detail.
It's the universal values within the words and themes that I want to convey, using the power of art to transcend language and culture.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:
- ArtKaam Gallery, Pakistan. 2023
- SAG & Ryerson University, Canada. Charity exhibition. Artwork in University Collection. 2019
- Noor Art Charity Exhibition with Cross Borders Art Gallery. 2018
- Dubai Mall Arena. Collaboration with Pakistan Association of Dubai. 2018
- M Art Gallery, Dubai . 'Year of Zayed'. 2018
- Studio Seven, Pakistan. Curated and exhibited in double solo with Hussain Chandio. 2018
- The Cartoon Art Gallery. Gallery artist. 2018
- Pakistan Association, Dubai. “Iftar for a Cause”. 2018
- Arab Cultural Club, Sharjah. International Women’s Day Celebration. 2018
- Antique Museum, Dubai. 2018
- India Club, Dubai. 2017
- Paris Sorbonne University Exhibition, AbuDhabi. 2018
- The Hotel Show, Dubai. 2017
- SNF Art Auction. 2017
- World Art Dubai. Exhibiting artist & curator. 2017 & 18
- TCF Art Auction. Exhibitng artist & curator. 2017 & 2018
- Index Home Show, Dubai. 2017
- Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC). 2017
- Dubai Design District – Group show “Mystic Cove”. 2017
AWARDS
- Art4You. Group exhibition at Outlet Mall Dubai. 2nd prize in calligraphy. 2019
- Art4You. Cultural Diversity Exhibition Competition at the Antique Museum. 2nd prize for art and calligraphy. 2018
- Canvas Art Centre, Dubai. Online exhibition. 1st prize in calligraphy. 2018
- Panel judge at the Pakistani Schools Mural Contest, Dubai. 60 students from Pakistani Schools across UAE. 2018
- Global Art Awards. Participant & Finalist. 2017
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COLLABORATIONS & COMMISSIONS
- Brand endorsement with Bose. Global campaign. 2021
- Live painting at Design District, Dubai. National Day of the UAE in Collaboration with Zee Arts. 2019
- Dusitd2 Kenz Hotels, Dubai. Commissioned artworks and calligraphy workshops. 2019
- Mural collaboration with 5 artists - depicting unity between UAE and Pakistan. 2018
- Mural portrait of Sheikh Zayed. Commissioned by the Pakistan Association Dubai. 2018
- Brand endorsement with Kansai Paint. 2017
WORKSHOPS & MENTORING
- SSG: Sharjah Girls Guide workshop for Arabic Calligraphy. 2019
- Princess Hayat Cultural Club. Workshops celebrating Emirati Women’s Day 2018 & 2019
- Al Jalila Children’s Foundation. Summer Calligraphy classes. 2018
- Princess Hayat Cultural Club. Arabic Calligraphy name writing workshop. 2018
- Kings School Albarsha. Arabic calligraphy name writing session for International Day 2018
- Kings School AlBarsha. Islamic Art Week. Calligraphy workshops & mural collaboration. 2017
- Reem Art Gallery. Tutoring in Arabic Calligraphy
- Private tutoring in calligraphy. 2017 - present