Khusro Sabzwari

Surrealist Painter & Visual Storyteller

Khusro Sabzwari is a visionary Pakistani artist whose surrealist paintings blend dreamlike imagery with cultural symbolism to create captivating visual narratives. Drawing inspiration from both Eastern mystical traditions and Western surrealist movements, Sabzwari's work explores the boundaries between reality and imagination, memory and fantasy. His meticulously rendered canvases invite viewers into richly detailed worlds where familiar objects take on new meanings through unexpected juxtapositions and transformations.

55+ Artworks

16 Exhibitions

4.9 Rating

Featured Portfolio

Explore Khusro Sabzwari's surrealist masterpieces

The Dreamer's Journey

Oil on canvas, 48" x 60", 2022

Between Worlds

Acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 36" x 48", 2023

About the Artist

Artistic Journey

Born in Hyderabad, Pakistan, Khusro Sabzwari discovered his passion for art at an early age. His formal training at the National College of Arts in Lahore provided him with a strong foundation in traditional techniques, but it was his independent exploration of surrealism that truly shaped his distinctive artistic voice. Influenced by both Sufi mysticism and the works of European surrealists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, Sabzwari developed a unique visual language that bridges Eastern and Western artistic traditions.

His early works focused on dreamscapes populated with symbolic objects from Pakistani culture, gradually evolving to incorporate more complex narratives and philosophical themes. Sabzwari's meticulous attention to detail and technical virtuosity allow him to create hyperrealistic elements within fantastical compositions, challenging viewers' perceptions and inviting them to question the nature of reality.

Throughout his career, Sabzwari has been recognized for his ability to weave together cultural heritage, personal memories, and universal themes into cohesive visual stories. His paintings often contain multiple layers of meaning, rewarding careful observation and contemplation. Today, he is considered one of Pakistan's most important surrealist painters, with his works featured in prestigious collections throughout South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Education

MFA in Fine Arts, National College of Arts, Lahore (2003)
BFA with Distinction, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi (1999)

Awards

Excellence in Contemporary Painting, Pakistan National Council of the Arts (2020)
Abraaj Group Art Prize Finalist (2018)
ADA Award for Innovation in Visual Arts (2012)

Style & Medium

Khusro Sabzwari works primarily in oil and acrylic paint, often incorporating mixed media elements such as gold leaf and collage. His style is characterized by hyperrealistic rendering of surreal compositions, meticulous attention to detail, and a rich symbolic vocabulary drawn from both Pakistani cultural heritage and universal archetypes. His paintings typically feature dreamlike scenarios where time, space, and natural laws are reimagined in service of deeper metaphysical or emotional truths.

Exhibition History

Major Exhibitions

"Dreams and Realities" - Solo Exhibition at Canvas Gallery, Karachi (2023)

"Contemporary Visions from Pakistan" - Group Exhibition at Aicon Gallery, New York (2022)

"Between Worlds" - Solo Exhibition at Koel Gallery, Lahore (2021)

"Imaginary Geographies" - Group Exhibition at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai (2020)

"Surrealism in South Asia" - Group Exhibition at Grosvenor Gallery, London (2019)

"The Conscious Dreamer" - Solo Exhibition at VM Art Gallery, Karachi (2018)

Artist Statement

"My paintings are invitations to enter a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination dissolve. I believe that surrealism offers a powerful language for exploring the complexities of human experience and cultural identity. Through meticulous craftsmanship and symbolic imagery, I create visual narratives that encourage viewers to question their perceptions and discover new possibilities within the familiar. Each painting is a doorway to a realm where personal memories, collective myths, and metaphysical questions converge."

Collector's Note

"Khusro Sabzwari's paintings represent significant investments in contemporary Pakistani art. His meticulous technique, unique surrealist vision, and growing international recognition make his works particularly valuable to collectors interested in South Asian contemporary art. Each painting offers extraordinary depth and complexity, rewarding repeated viewing with new discoveries. As one of Pakistan's leading surrealist painters, Sabzwari's pieces continue to appreciate in both cultural significance and market value."