Islamabad, 2 June 2022 (TDI): Shazia Sikander, a Pakistan-born miniature artist, was awarded Japan’s Fukuoka Prize in Arts and Culture on Thursday, according to a release.
On May 26, Japan’s Fukuoka Prize Committee announced the 2022 Prize.
Shazia Sikander, a Pakistan-born miniature artist, won this Prize in the category of Arts and Culture for introducing innovation in traditional art forms. She made use of the latest digital technology in the world of miniature painting, which follows conventions dating back to the Mughal Empire.
This Fukuoka Prize was established in 1990 by the Japanese Fukuoka city and Fukuoka City International Foundation. It is awarded to individuals, groups, or organizations for their splendid work in preserving Asian culture.
The prize aims to increase awareness of Asian cultures and to institute a broad framework for exchange and mutual learning among the peoples of Asia.
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the inception of the Fukuoka Prize. Over the last 31 years, the prize has been presented to 118 leading figures in their respective fields.
The Fukuoka Prize has three categories
- Grand Prize
- Academic Prize
- Arts and Culture Prize
Sikander won the prize in the third category. This year’s Prize laureates include Japanese Taiko Drummer Mr.
Hayashi Eitetsu for Grand Prize and Historian Prof. Timon Screech from the U.K for Academic Prize.
In September 2022, these laureates will be invited to Fukuoka, Japan officially for receiving their respective awards.
There have been three Pakistani recipients of the Fukuoka Prize in the past. Late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary qawwali maestro, Dr.
Uxi Mufti, a specialist in the preservation of folk heritage, and Yasmeen Lari, architect, architectural historian, and heritage conservationist.
About Shazia Sikander:
Born in Lahore, Shahzia Sikander earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1991 from the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore. In 2005, the Pakistani government awarded her a “Tamgha-e-Imtiaz” (Medal of Excellence) in recognition of her outstanding contribution in the field of arts.
She currently lives in New York.
