Moniza is a portrait born from a moment of inspiration. I first heard her story on the radio during a commute and instantly felt compelled to paint her. Moniza is one of the few female human rights lawyers in Pakistan, a role she fought for by challenging deeply rooted societal norms. Her tenacity and clarity of purpose made her a powerful and natural subject for this series.

We connected through several video calls, where I had the privilege of hearing more about her journey. Moniza asked that her dupatta, a symbol of both tradition and identity, be included in the painting. Though the work is primarily in black and white, the dupatta stands out in a bold blue, a quiet act of defiance and individuality. The background mimics the movement of her flowing hair, echoing themes of liberation and resilience. Her story and strength are layered into every contour and contrast of the piece.

Proceeds of the sale will go directly to Moniza to help fight for human rights in Pakistan.