Pakistan to planet: Faiza Khanna and Naqsh Art Dxb's enterprising odyssey
Faiza Khanna founded Naqsh Art Dxb in 2024. It is a Dubai-based art company that deals in art and promotes it, striving to bridge Pakistani artists and the international art scene.
'The company's name, Naqsh,' Faiza says, 'carries deep cultural significance. It represents concepts such as engraving, marking, print, impression, drawing, carving, paintings, pictures, and inscriptions in the Arabic, Persian, and Urdu languages.
Naqsh Art Dxb's primary goal is to showcase the best artworks from established and emerging Pakistani artists. The company is committed to providing a platform for emerging talents to exhibit their work internationally, and to foster cultural exchange and artistic growth.'
Naqsh Art Dxb represents a diverse roster of Pakistani artists, including the late Mansoor Rahi and the late Mashkoor Raza; Abrar Ahmed; Awais Ahmed; Mohammed Rustam Ali; Salman Farooqi; Ashkal; Shaista Momin; Raja Chengaiz; Wassi Haider and Behzad, among others.
Salman Farooqi's composition in oil on canvas.
They define various artistic styles and perspectives of Pakistan. 'By connecting Pakistani artists who would not have the opportunity to meet international audiences, Naqsh Art Dxb plays a crucial role in the global art ecosystem,' Faiza says. 'The company's efforts contribute to recognising and appreciating Pakistani art on the world stage, while enriching Dubai's cultural landscape. By showcasing established and emerging talents, Naqsh Art Dxb shapes the narrative of Pakistani art internationally, fostering cultural understanding and artistic exchange. Naqsh has clients worldwide, in Singapore, UAE, UK, and US, and ships internationally.'
Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, Faiza developed a passion for art at an early age, inspired by her mother's love for collecting artwork. Her academic journey took her across continents, to Montreal, Canada, and then to the United States. Her professional career began in the banking sector in Dubai. Following her marriage, she relocated to Singapore, where she first ventured into the art world in 2001. In 2004, she returned to Dubai and founded Naqsh. It marked her official entry into the art business. Faiza's career has been characterised by frequent travel between Dubai and Singapore. Her multicultural experiences in Pakistan, Canada, the United States, Dubai and Singapore, have undoubtedly influenced her perspective on art and business, of which she speaks to Gulf Today
What is your background in art?
I grew up in an environment with a great appreciation for art. Over the past 25 years, I have been personally curating and collecting artworks by the great masters of the Eastern world, especially Pakistan. Combining my love for art and my desire to share it with a wider audience, was the foundation for Naqsh Art Dxb.
Shaista Momin's work in acrylic on canvas.
Do you think Pakistani art is not ideally marketed? Was it a reason for the establishment of Naqsh Art Dxb?
Pakistani art is gaining global recognition; but there is substantial room for more growth and exposure. The new generation of upcoming artists, for instance, rarely get a chance to partake in events such as global exhibitions, to showcase their talent. For example, there are over 400 new graduates per year from the Indus Valley School of Art in Karachi. There is possibly similar graduating cohort — if not more — from the National College of Arts (NCA), in Lahore. A very low percentage of this new generation of artists will ever reach a level of recognition in the local Pakistani art market, leave alone win global recognition. Naqsh Art Dxb aims to reach out to the talented, young, upcoming artists from Pakistan. We buy artworks from both established and new, emerging artists, instead of acquiring them on consignment basis.
When we buy artworks from emerging artists, we increase their purchase price, thus motivating them. The artworks are brought to Dubai, framed here, and are photographed professionally. Catalogues of the consignments are made, posted on Instagram and forwarded to clients. This provides the young artists an interactive platform to show their artworks. Farhan Manto, Uzma Ali, Samra Malik, Behzad Warsi and Naushad Alam, are some of Pakistan's upcoming artists, who are included in our catalogues.
What are the qualities that recommend Pakistani art?
Pakistani art showcases Islamic influences and techniques, along with deep cultural and historical heritage. Islamic art influences have fuelled the popularity of Pakistani artists in Dubai. Master artists like Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi, Abdur Rahman Chugtai, Anna Molka Ahmed, Ismail Gulgee, Ahmed Parviz, Bashir Mirza, Jamil Naqsh and Mashkoor Raza, have tremendous acclaim worldwide.
Faiza Khanna among artworks.
Why is Dubai's name conjoined to Naqsh Art?
There would be no Naqsh Art Dxb without Dubai! Dubai is a cultural hub, attracting global attention. Various efforts such as Art Dubai, one of the greatest global art gatherings in the Middle East, reflect the changing dynamics and substantial growth of the art market in the region and globally. Our worldwide connectivity to clients has been possible only due to the strategic location of Dubai.
How do you source your artworks?
Artworks are sourced through my personal connections in the art world. We are in direct touch with artists and purchase in person from them.
How did you build your buyers' network?
Through Instagram (@Naqsh.Art.Dxb) and social media, we are increasing followers and our client base. Word of mouth has also helped transform potential clients into satisfied repeat-purchasers.
How do you see Naqsh Art Dxb evolving in the next 25 years?
We want to be perceived as the go to house for Eastern Art. A place where people can be sure they are going to get honest and trustworthy art advice.
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