Redefining Art Spaces in Belfast – An Interview with Visual Artist, Shahrukh Asad

In this exclusive interview, Shahrukh Asad, a visionary abstract artist and curator, shares her journey of overcoming cultural barriers to establish Curated Frame Art Gallery in Belfast. As the first Pakistani woman to own an art gallery in the city, Shahrukh reflects on her artistic growth, her hybrid model for exhibitions, and her commitment to empowering artists from diverse backgrounds.

Shahrukh Asad, Visual Artist

Who is Shahrukh Asad, and what are her main accomplishments?

My name is Shahrukh Asad, and I am a visual Artist (specialized in Abstract Art), Curator, and Gallerist based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I hold a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Punjab University College of Art and Design and a Master’s in Business Management from Queen’s University Belfast. These two disciplines have shaped both my creative practice and my approach to leading a contemporary gallery.

My work has been celebrated internationally, with exhibitions in Rome, Venice, Pakistan, Dubai, London, and Belfast. As a visual artist, I focus exclusively on contemporary and Modern abstraction, exploring emotional depth, movement, memory, and presence through gestural marks and layered compositions. My practice is intuitive and boundless, allowing each piece to emerge as a reflection of internal landscapes and human experience.

I am the founder of Curated Frame Art Gallery and am honoured to hold the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman to own an art gallery in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At the gallery, I focus on creating a professional and dynamic platform for artists and audiences alike, presenting exhibitions that engage the public, foster meaningful connections, and support the development of contemporary art.

Can you tell us about your journey into abstract art and how you built your practice?

I used to begin my artistic journey by drawing with distorted lines, constantly experimenting with form and movement.

Over time, I noticed that my strokes were becoming bolder and more expressive, which naturally led me toward abstract art. Abstraction gave me the freedom to move beyond structure and representation, allowing emotion and instinct to guide the process.

In many ways, I relate this to my personality. As an Aquarius, I identify with qualities such as boldness, independence, and a strong sense of freedom. I feel that this sense of fearlessness is reflected in my work. Abstract practice allows me to work without limitations, to take risks, and to express ideas in a direct and unapologetic way.

Completing over 100 commissioned works has also played a major role in strengthening my practice. It refined my technique, deepened my confidence, and helped me develop a strong and consistent visual language. Through continuous exploration and discipline, my abstract work has evolved into a bold and intuitive expression of who I am as an artist.

Is there an exhibition in your career that stands out as particularly signiflcant to you?

One of my notable exhibitions was my solo show, After the Image, curated by Lise McGreevy and F.S. Karachiwala. The exhibition was supported by Belfast City Council, Maywe Events, and 2 Royal Avenue, and it was announced through a press release by the Belfast Media Group. During the exhibition period, from 10th December 2025 to 4th January 2026, it welcomed approximately 7,000 visitors reported by the venue. From this show, my painting, The Blueprints of Elsewhere, was acquired for the Deputy Lord Mayor’s collection, which was a meaningful recognition of my work.

This exhibition remains a milestone for me, as it reflects both my artistic development and the ability to engage a wide audience through a thoughtful and impactful presentation.

What inspired you to pursue both fine art and business management?

I have always been drawn to creative expression. Initially, I wanted to pursue fashion design, but over time, my passion for visual arts grew stronger, leading me to study Fine Arts. During my artistic journey, I conceived the idea of establishing my own art gallery, a vision that has been with me for over five years from now. To make this vision a reality, I moved to the United Kingdom and studied Business Management, gaining the skills necessary to run a professional and sustainable art business.

Opening Curated Frame Art Gallery allowed me to combine my creative background with practical business knowledge. My goal has always been to support emerging artists, particularly those who struggle to be seen by wider audiences. Pursuing business management alongside my artistic practice was inspired by the desire to create a platform that not only showcases art but also empowers artists professionally, ensuring their work reaches and resonates with a larger audience.

Can you tell us about your curatorial practice?

Through my curatorial practice, I aim to design exhibitions that encourage dialogue, reflection, and cross-cultural exchange.

One of my notable curatorial projects is Boundless Contemporary, an open call exhibition where I work closely with international curators, including the former curator of the Karachi Biennale and the future curator of Karachi Biennale 2027, to bring diverse artistic perspectives together and create a platform for both emerging and established artists.

What does being the first Pakistani woman to own an art gallery in Belfast mean to you?

Being the first Pakistani woman to own an art gallery in Belfast is both an honour and a responsibility for me. It represents more than a personal achievement; it reflects resilience, vision, and the courage to create space where there was none before. Coming from a different cultural background and establishing a gallery in Northern Ireland has been a meaningful journey. It shows that art can transcend borders and that leadership in the arts should be diverse and inclusive.

I hope it inspires other women, especially from minority communities, to believe that they can build institutions, lead cultural spaces, and shape the contemporary art landscape.

For me, it is about representation, opportunity, and creating a platform where artists from different backgrounds can feel seen and valued. It is not just a milestone, it is a commitment to continue building something impactful and inclusive.

What do you believe sets Curated Frame Art Gallery apart from other galleries in Belfast?

What sets Curated Frame Art Gallery apart is our strong emphasis on a hybrid exhibition framework. While we do host physical exhibitions, but the majority of our programming operates through a hybrid model. This approach allows us to combine the presence of in-person shows with extended digital reach, creating broader accessibility for artists and audiences.

The hybrid structure reduces shipping and logistical costs for artists and saves valuable time. It also allows us to distribute exhibition catalogues and presentations directly to collectors, interior designers, and corporate sectors, increasing visibility and potential opportunities beyond the gallery walls.

In today’s art market, there is never a guaranteed sale in a purely physical setting. Through a hybrid framework, we are able to reach audiences not only in Belfast but internationally. Our digital platforms provide strong analytics and measurable engagement, and we have seen remarkable interaction across our social and electronic channels.

This model remains less commonly practiced locally, as many galleries focus primarily on traditional physical exhibitions. By adopting a hybrid and modern approach, Curated Frame Art Gallery positions itself as a forward-thinking, accessible, and globally connected platform for contemporary art.

How can collectors and art lovers find your abstract artworks?

Collectors can explore more of my abstract work through my official website and social media platforms, where I regularly share new projects, exhibitions, and available pieces. They are also welcome to connect directly for private viewings, commissions, or catalogue requests at contact@savisualartist.com or they can sign up for my newsletter on my website.

What message would you like to leave for emerging artists?

My message to emerging artists is to stay true to your vision and remain persistent, even when opportunities seem limited. Trust your intuition, experiment fearlessly, and continuously refine your practice. At the same time, attend networking events and engage with your local art community to build connections and open opportunities. Remember, building a sustainable art career takes both creative dedication and strategic thinking, but most importantly, never underestimate the power of your unique voice.

Visit my website for more info!

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