Pakistani miniature artist awarded Japan’s Fukuoka Prize

Pakistan-born miniature artist Shazia Sikander was awarded Japan’s Fukuoka Prize in the category of Arts and Culture, it was revealed in a statement on Thursday.

On May 26, the Fukuoka Prize Committee awarded Shazia Sikander for her contributions in innovation of traditional art forms namely, using digital technology in miniature painting - an art form traced back to the Mughal period.

The Fukuoka Prize was established in 1990 by the Japanese city of Fukuoka and the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

The prize is awarded to individuals, groups and organisations for their illustrious work in preserving Asian culture. The prize aims to increase awareness of the diversity of Asian cultures and to institute a broad framework for exchange and mutual learning amongst the people 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.