Celebrating 10 Years of the Visual Artist Fellowship

 Sakshi Gupta

Komal Shahid Khan

Looking back, how did your time as a Visiting Artist Fellow shape your artistic practice or career?

Serving as a Fellow for the Visiting Artist program was a life-changing experience that truly broadened my horizons. For the first time, I gained significant exposure to the world outside my own country, which allowed me to blend different cultures and perspectives directly into my creative work.

The program was unique because of its highly interactive nature. I had the chance to connect and collaborate with a wide range of people, including professional curators, teachers, and students. Engaging with them across various platforms created a rich exchange of ideas that made my practice much more global and well-rounded.

Were there any specific experiences, people, or opportunities during the fellowship that had a lasting impact on you?

My time as a Fellow was made truly special by the people I met. Working alongside my co-artist, Meenakshi from India, was a highlight; seeing her work in person was a real treat and a great learning experience. Everyone at SAI, Harvard, was incredibly welcoming and offered such valuable guidance throughout my stay.

We also had the chance to visit world-class institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Fogg

Art Museum. Seeing their collections firsthand—especially the incredible historic miniature paintings and Kota drawings—was unforgettable. Documenting these works helped me bridge the gap between history and my own modern practice.

How has your work evolved since your fellowship at Harvard? What are you currently working on or excited about in your practice?

My work keeps on evolving but I feel I have revisited the Satirical element in my previous works that I had showcased during my time at Harvard. My recent two series , ” Ticket to the Unreal ” and Regal Deception both depict the mockery and are a depiction of the continuous unraveling of themes: the sharp sting of mockery, the unsettling dance of human puppetry, the fleeting spectacle of the circus and its tricks, and the relentless pull of mortal desires.

Whose work is inspiring you right now, and why?

I’m fascinated by the sculptural forms, intricately painted by the artist Jibran Shahid from Pakistan who is also my brother ! Apart from this I’m very inspired by my fellow artists and contemporaries like Hooria Khan from Lahore, Pakistan and some other professionals in the field like Sid Patni and Manjit Bawa.

Share one image that captures something meaningful about your practice today. This could be a recent artwork, a studio moment, or you at work.

There is something incredibly moving about seeing viewers lean in close to my work at a gallery in Lahore. In that quiet moment of observation, my personal vision finally meets the public’s gaze, creating a deep, wordless connection. Sharing my thoughts through art and seeing people truly resonate with them is a powerful experience. It brings a unique sense of accomplishment and a surge of creative energy. These moments of genuine connection are where all the hard work feels worth it, leaving me with a heart-filled satisfaction.

Explore more of the artist’s work here