Zaam Arif Pakistani, b. 1999

Born in 1999 in Karachi, Zaam Arif is largely a self-taught artist who has trained under the tutelage of his parents, both of whom are painters. Arif’s work is an overture of philosophical and literary influences, over time evolving provocatively into a deep introspection of the human experience, which he largely undertakes through a synergy between his characters and the environment in which they are posited, in his paintings.

Arif has recently held solo exhibitions in the United Kingdom, the United States and Pakistan. His upcoming shows include a first solo exhibition in India at Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi (2024); and a viewing at the Cabin LA, Los Angeles (2024). He has also participated in group exhibitions at Platform by David Zwirner, New York (2023); Black Wall Street Gallery, New York (2022); Full Circle Gallery, Karachi (2021); Anna Molka Gallery, Lahore (2021); and Guerilla Art Shows, New York (2021).

Arif’s work was exclusively featured in The New Yorker magazine in 2021, making him the youngest Pakistani artist to be published in the prestigious magazine. In 2021, his work was selected to be exhibited in the Malamegi Lab Award and was awarded the Malamegi Lab Research Grant in Italy. He completed a residency at La Brea in Los Angeles in 2023.

The artist lives and works in Houston, Texas.