Farazeh Syed (b. 1971) is an artist based in Lahore. After acquiring a diploma in printmaking at the Gandhara School of Art, Islamabad, she trained with renowned painter Iqbal Hussain for fifteen years. There, she learned painting and an acute understanding of the human form, subsequently refining her own visual and conceptual vocabulary.
Syed recently completed her MA in visual arts at the National College of Arts, Lahore. Drawing upon ancient Indian art and folk texts—where “woman” is the active and authoritative protagonist—and her own biography for inspiration, Syed creates bold satirical narratives that are imbued with subtle sexual undertones. Through these narratives she addresses issues of identity, sexuality, and patriarchal social structures. Farazeh has exhibited her work extensively. Recent solo shows were held in September 2018 at O Art Space, Lahore, and in October 2017 at Sanat Gallery, Karachi. Her work has also been exhibited at Unicorn Gallery, Karachi; Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore; Imago Mundi Pavilion, Venice Biennale; Zahoor al Akhlaque Gallery, National College of Arts, Lahore; the National Art Gallery, Islamabad; and at the 2019 Bienvenue Art Fair in Paris; among other places.
