Pakistani scholar and lecturer Hira Ali has received an honorary credential at the opening ceremony of the 16th International Exhibition of Traditional Fine Arts in Shanghai, an event showcasing traditional artworks from 38 countries and regions.

Currently pursuing a PhD in artistic theory at Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Hira described the experience as “very surreal,” highlighting how “local and international artists here were growing side by side” in an encouraging creative environment.

Her artwork explores a unique fusion of Chinese aesthetics with Pakistani heritage. Her calligraphic series combines the colours of Shanghai’s urban landscape with traditional Urdu script, while her piece “Chinese Tradition” reimagines a Chinese pagoda through the style of Mughal miniature painting.

Deeply engaged in researching Chinese lacquer art, Hira aims to revive the declining craft in Pakistan. She is also working toward establishing a lacquer art association in Pakistan, hoping to bring Chinese artistic diversity and techniques to a wider audience. “I hope that the diversity of arts in China reaches every corner of the world,” she said.