On 14th August 2020, President Dr Arif Alvi conferred the Sitara-e-Imtiaz award on renowned Pakistani visual artist Imran Qureshi.
“This honour signifies the Pakistani government’s deep appreciation for Imran Qureshi’s continued efforts and contribution in representing Pakistan globally with his outstanding work,” according to an official press release on Saturday.
Qureshi’s work has been recognised and awarded globally on various occasions prior to receiving his first award in Pakistan. In 2011, he was Awarded Sharjah Biennale 10’s Art prize; in 2013, the Deutsche Bank Artist of the year Award; in 2017, the Medal of Arts by the Washington State Department; and, more recently, the Asian Art Game Changer Award by the Asia Society, Hong Kong.
He was also awarded the Shaji Muhammad Sharif Award for Miniature Painting 1993 at the National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore as well as an Associateship of the NCA in the year 2009.
Holding over 25 years of experience as an independent visual artist, Imran Qureshi’s work has been exhibited in various biennales worldwide. Acclaimed fashion designer Christian Louboutin named one of his creations after Imran Qureshi in acknowledgement of his art. He also has the honour of having his work displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and at the British Museum in London.
