I AM A Writer: Zahra Ali Solo Exhibition – Opening Reception

Painting to Zahra is solving puzzles in her brain. It gives her a sense of power as she

can attempt to control the world around her. This realization came at an early age. As

such, her combination of cultural experiences manifests as layers and colors in her

work.

She grew up in Karachi, Pakistan with a population of over 15 million. In this urban

metropolis, storytelling was iconographed on public buses. Buses are more than a mode

of transport for passengers; they are a joyous sight to passers-by that share a story. In a

system where bus drivers own their buses, drivers would decorate the bus exteriors to

showcase their ancestral origins with lines of poetry interwoven with ethnic

iconography.

After obtaining a BFA in Painting from Texas State University, she moved to Houston

and worked as an artist. The past decade has been a journey of self-discovery for Zahra.

She paints to show the world through her lenses; her likes and dislikes. There are times

when life is celebrated, and at times she shows life’s dark side with a hint of color.

“I write with my brush, each stroke has a story, and every color represents an emotion.

The layers are the chapters, and I invite you to join me in unfolding my book to read it

together. I used to believe I was not a writer, only a painter. Recently I had an epiphany

that I am both. I write through my paintings. Each painting brings to life a story that has

touched me, made me think, and I feel needs to be shared with the world.” – Zahra Ali

Free RSVP:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-a-writer-solo-exhibition-by-zahra-ali-tickets-483254295607