Qinza Najm

Qinza Najm, an inter-disciplinary Pakistani-American artist based in New York City and Lahore, brings a rich educational background from Bath University and the Art Students League of New York to her diverse practice, which spans painting, installations, sculpture, and performance. Her work, deeply rooted in themes of belonging, identity, and power, has gained international recognition, showcased at esteemed venues including the Queens Museum, Christie's Art, Art|Basel, and the Museum of the Moving Image. Highlighting her career is an upcoming exhibition at the Bronx Museum in NYC. Holding a Ph.D. in Psychology, Najm's exploration of emotional intelligence informs her critical examination of societal norms, focusing on the nuanced relationship between the human body, identity, and power, particularly in the context of women and immigrants. Her work, featured in ArtNet News, Hyperallergic, Huffington Post, and International Business Week, transcends conventional boundaries to create immersive, thought-provoking experiences. Through her art, Najm fosters dialogue and empathy, addressing social issues and cultural traumas to build connections among diverse communities.

Abid Aslam

Born in 1986 in Lahore, Pakistan, Abid Aslam studied at the Hunerkada College of Visual and Performing Arts, Lahore. He focused his attention towards miniature painting and photography which led to purification of his own visual and conceptual terminology. Aslam also served as a lecturer in Hunerkada College till 2014. His passion for art convinced him to pursue a master’s program in Visual Arts from National College of Arts, Lahore in 2017 with an aim to develop a strong and independent point of view and a mature grasp of critical debate on contemporary art. He has done a remarkable solo show in 2018 titled as “Sitaron se aage” at Sanat Initiative, Karachi Pakistan. Aslam participated in first Karachi Biennale Trust artist residency 2019 in collaboration with OPP (Orangi Pilot Project), Karachi Pakistan. Later, he also curated a group show titled as “Once upon a time” at Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore. Aslam has been part of both national and international art exhibitions. “Of Land and Skies” was Aslam’s another stunning solo show held at O Art Space, Lahore, Pakistan in 2019. Whereas, his previous solo show "The Last Rain" was exhibited at Sanat Initiative Art Gallery, Karachi, Pakistan in 2020 and recent three person group show “Peculiar Speculations” was held at O Art Space, Lahore, Pakistan. Aslam currently works and lives in Lahore.

Artist Statement

“In ‘(In)accessible Gardens,’ I embark on a journey from Lahore’s lushness to New York’s urban sprawl, exploring the spaces between tangible gardens and those we cultivate within ourselves. This series questions where we find solace and belonging in a world of visible and invisible boundaries?

Through the transformative use of stainless steel, I craft visual narratives that bridge the natural with the constructed, challenging viewers to reflect on the sanctuaries we seek and those we create. My process—etching, cutting, and painting—reimagines this industrial material into scenes of solace and estrangement, inviting dialogue on the dualities of accessibility.

This artistic endeavor is not just a reflection on accessibility but a call to rediscover and reclaim the spaces of tranquility and belonging in our lives, urging a deeper engagement with the landscapes that shape our identities and shared humanity