Art Is Therapeutic: Hajira Mansoor

Hajra Mansoor graduated from the Lucknow Art College in 1964, Hajra and her sister Rabia Zberi – known as Zuberi Sisters- opened the first art school in Karachi named Karachi School of Art. Hajra married the distinguished contemporary painter, Mansoor Rahi in 1969 who became the Principal at Karachi School of Art. She has proven her mantle in different styles including Academic Realism, Classism, Oriental Intuitionism, Oriental formalism and Neo Romantism. Hajra is one of the most sought after artists in Pakistan and her style is inspired by tradition combined together with modern artistic sensibilities. Hajra is the recipient of the National 1969 Chughtai Award in the All Pakistan National Exhibition sponsored by the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA). In 1982, she got the First prize in Haidar Awards, conducted by Abasin Arts Council, NWFP. She received the President’s Pride of Performance In year 2009. She has been declared “Safeer-e-Mashriq” of Pakistan.