SHANGHAI, China: A Pakistani scholar and lecturer from the University of Peshawar has received an honourary credential at the opening ceremony of the 16th International Exhibition of Traditional Fine Arts in Shanghai, marking a significant moment of cultural exchange and recognition for Pakistan’s artistic community on the global stage.
Hira Ali, who is currently pursuing her PhD in artistic theory at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Shanghai University, was honoured among distinguished artists from 38 countries and regions at the prestigious event.
The exhibition showcases the preservation and innovation of traditional art in the digital age through diverse forms, including painting, ceramics, embroidery, enamel, lacquer art, sculpture, and digital art.
Pakistani scholar Hira Ali received an honorary credential at the 16th International Exhibition of Traditional Fine Arts in Shanghai.
She called the experience “surreal,” highlighting a global platform where artists grow and showcase talent together.#Shanghai #Pakistan #FineArts… pic.twitter.com/ZCbJXPwPuE— Infodor (@Infodor_pk) June 17, 2026
Describing the experience as “very surreal,” Ali expressed her admiration for the collaborative environment fostered by the exhibition. “Local and international artists here were growing side by side,” she noted. “You can show your talent and abilities on various platforms, creating a welcoming and encouraging environment.”
Fusion of two rich cultures
At the heart of Ali’s artistic practice lies a profound dialogue between Chinese and Pakistani traditions. Her recent calligraphic series, currently on display at the China Academy of Arts in Hangzhou, blends the vibrant colours of Shanghai’s urban landscape with the flowing script of traditional Pakistani and Urdu calligraphy. The result is a visual conversation where Chinese aesthetics meet South Asian heritage on a single canvas.
“This is how I experiment with techniques and themes, combining Chinese traditions, Chinese culture, and contemporary environments with elements of my Pakistani traditional calligraphy,” she explained.
Her artistic versatility extends far beyond calligraphy. Another notable work, titled “Chinese Tradition,” depicts a traditional Chinese pagoda reimagined through the lens of Mughal miniature painting, layering architectural grace with intricate patterns and motifs drawn from Pakistan’s rich artistic history.
She has also produced Chinese flower paintings on Xuan paper, lacquer works on wood and pegboxes, mother-of-pearl inlays on wooden panels, and eggshell lacquer pieces. Her architectural drawings in pencil colours and acrylic paintings on canvas further demonstrate her remarkable range across media.
Preserving heritage, building bridges
Ali’s creative journey is deeply rooted in her research on Chinese lacquer art, a craft with thousands of years of history in China but one that is declining in Pakistan. Her research has taken her to Fuzhou in Fujian province, a city renowned as the heart of traditional lacquer art, where she has immersed herself in mastering this ancient technique.
Beyond her own artistic practice, Ali is working with her supervisor to establish a lacquer art association in Pakistan, with the goal of integrating her experiences into the country’s academic landscape and reviving interest in the art form. “I hope that the diversity of arts in China reaches every corner of the world,” she added.
Her commitment to cultural preservation is also evident in her previous work. She has collaborated on projects for the United States Consulate General in Peshawar, contributing to initiatives centered on Pakistan’s colourful truck culture. She also joined a team dedicated to documenting and preserving the heritage of Buddhist Gandhara in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. One of her pieces, titled “My Favourite Scene on Campus,” has also received recognition.
A symbol of growing cultural ties
The recognition of Ali’s work at the Shanghai exhibition comes at a time of deepening cultural and academic exchanges between Pakistan and China. Her achievement not only highlights individual excellence but also symbolises the growing appreciation of Pakistani art and scholarship in international forums.
As she continues her doctoral research and artistic practice, Ali remains committed to serving as a bridge between the two cultures. “This is how I experiment with techniques and themes,” she said, reflecting on her unique position at the intersection of Eastern artistic traditions.
