In the era of contemporary art, there is a young generation of Pakistan artists who are pushing the boundaries, conquering the skies, and reaching for the stars.

Our country has a plethora of talent that is making us proud worldwide. From musicians to painters, actors to visual artists; our citizens have been making waves via their remarkable work and contributions in their respective fields.

In light of Pakistan’s 74 years of Independence, we want to give a shout-out to some of our favorite artists that have raised the bar and stood out by being exemplary for those around us. They are born with artistic sensibilities and constantly growing in their careers.

Laraib Atta

She is young, passionate and her creative brain has made her amongst the youngest Pakistani VFX artist to make waves in Hollywood.

All those who have been following her career trajectory will know that she has worked her magic in successful movies like X-Men: Days of Future Past, Godzilla, Gravity, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Trader, and Prince Caspian, 10, 000 BC, Sweeney Todd, and Mission: Impossible – Fallout.

The daughter of the legendary singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, Laraib became the first Pakistani to be nominated for the Visual Effect Society Award in 2019. She is amongst the most accomplished women in the VFX world, making Pakistan proud and exhibiting her empowered self for the world to awe!

Usman Riaz

Boasting incredible musical prowess with the guitar, classical piano, and harmonica; Usman Riaz is amongst the influential youth that has brought immense glory to Pakistan via his talent.

He was just six years old when he dabbled into music, experimenting with the classical piano and eventually, aced playing it. Brimming with talent, he is equally proficient at film-making and drawing.

For those who are unaware, he gave the country its first hand-drawn animated film and first fully-orchestrated movie, ‘The Glassworker’. So much so, Apple later invited him to present a live demo of his artworks of The Glassworker and share it with audiences. We are big fans of his musical work ‘Firefly’- a tune so melodious and liberating that aptly evokes emotions.

Mira Sethi

Bold, talented, and unapologetic; Mira Sethi needs no introduction! There are so many reasons we adore her; her progressive perspective towards life, society, and empowerment being the chief raison d être. We have seen her in various popular Pakistani dramas, given that she has a knack for acting and performing comedy. But the world too has eyes on her as she is a writer at heart.

Our dear Sethi is an established global literary voice, who made us proud with her recent debut collection of short stories ‘Are You Enjoying’, published under Knopf and Bloomsbury. Undaunted by what skeptics might say about her, her book addresses life in contemporary Pakistan that struggles between challenges of a conservative and patriarchal society.

A public-facing figure and a vocal feminist, Mira often catches ire for her outspoken views. But she stands by her believes and continues to be a role model for women with her unshakable demeanor and firm faith in her enlightened views.

Young Stunners

Over the years, there has been a rise in Pakistan’s rap music scene and a major credit for it goes to the popular squad of young Karachi rappers ‘Young Stunners’ ft. the two Talhas ‘Talha Anjum and Talha Younus’.

With killer lyrics, creative music, and topics that are usually eye-opening; the duo have made a name for themselves in the industry by kick-starting their career with hits like Main Hoon Pakistan, ‏‏Maila Majnun and Burger-e-Karachi, Fire in the Hole, and many more.

Today, they are the most wanted artists in the country now that the rap genre has kicked off for good in the industry. So much so, they have become celebrated icons as they are leaving no stone unturned to raise the Urdu rap scene and to be recognized as the cream of the crop.

Sara Shakeel

Famous as the Pakistani Artist that adds sparkling glitter to everything, Sara Shakeel loves shiny things and that is evident from all her artworks.

She creates eye-catching images, by editing crystals, glitters, diamonds and sequins. Be it landscapes or iconic landmarks, food, or animals; she weaves her dazzling magic on everything she comes across. Blinging it like a pro, her photo of the glistening Emirates plane encrusted with diamonds and rhinestones went viral worldwide and was lauded by the aviation brand itself.

But she is most famous for her ‘glitter stretch marks’ artwork, which aimed to change the narrative towards the fact that stretch marks make women strong, beautiful, and dazzling.