bio

Narjis Mirza

New Media Installation Artist

Narjis Mirza is a media installation artist whose work delves into the poetic, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of light. Her extensive portfolio includes large-scale light and sound installations that incorporate projection, animation, video, textile, and voice, creating immersive experiences that invite viewer participation. Originally trained as a painter, Narjis graduated with top honours from the National College of Arts in Pakistan and later earned a Master’s in Media and Design from Bilkent University in Ankara. Her artistic journey has seen her exhibit in Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. In 2017, she was awarded the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarship, leading to a practice-led PhD at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. Narjis contributed to the development of interactive participatory media art at the Interactive Media Lab, University of New South Wales.

Her research and creative practice have produced notable works such as “Hayakal al Noor, Bodies of Light,” inspired by Islamic philosophy, and her latest piece, “Rahma: Our Creative Feminine,” reflecting her profound engagement with multi-sensory experiences and cultural narratives.’


EDUCATION

2017-2021 PhD Art and Design Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
2014-2016   Master of Fine Arts in Media and Design Bilkent University, Ankara Turkiye
2008-2012   Bachelors of Fine Arts National College of Arts, Pakistan

 
 

WORK EXPERINCE

–        Developed and presented proposals for my installation art exhibitions to various galleries in Australia and New Zealand. Details of commissioned work and other exhibitions are listed in ‘Recent Exhibition’ section below
–        Proposal writing: developed PhD proposals for various universities and secured the Vice Chancellors doctoral scholarship in the faculty of Design and Creative Technologies at AUT, New Zealand.
–        PhD thesis of 60,000 words submitted for examination at AUT.
Teaching Artist – International Children Art festival, China                                                2016
–        Paid work for online art workshops over three sessions–coordination, collaboration, and art workshops
Intern – Digital Experience Collective, Bilgi University, Turkey                        2016
–        Worked on animations and sound design in Adobe CC and projection mapping in Madmapper.
–        Used Blender and Cinema 4D for 3D modelling of concept design.
Teaching Assistant – Deptt. of Communication, Bilkent University, Turkey          2015 – 2016
–        Studio Assistant for design and architecture studios.
–        Contributed to assignment design and project development.
–        Invigilator
–        Collaborated with ArtJamzdc.com to start a franchise in Pakistan
–        Managed leasing and the fit-outs for the commercial space
–        Organized the launch event – recruited 8 volunteers
–        Secured sponsorship from Dulux and Pepsi for Public art experience.
–        Successfully operated the venture by managing procurement for supplies, commercial transactions, and the workforce – achieved financial breakeven.
Academic Program Manager – School of Art, Design & Architecture, National University of Science &Technology, Pakistan      2012 – 2013
–        Managed coordination among full-time and adjunct faculty within the program.
–        Accountable for academic calendar, schedules, and international workshops for syllabus and co-curricular developments
–        Performed human resource management duties for all adjunct instructors, including performance reviews, payroll, and scheduling.
–        Academic liaison between the Dean, program faculty and the students.
–        Managed periodic recruitment of 4 Teaching Assistants for design studios.
–        Guest lecturer and juror for foundation year students of design studios.
Co-founder/CEO – ArtJamz (Arts Cafe)           2014
 

PUBLICATIONS

 
PhD Art and Design thesis : Image and the Imaginal, Ta’wil of Art Practices of Light
Masters of Fine Arts in Media and Design : The Elevator Ride in Fact and Fiction
Performance Philosophy Journal :  Ta’wil in Practices of Light, 2019
 

EXHIBITION OF ARTWORKS

2023 
Rahma: Our Creative Feminine at Blacktown Arts 
2022
Hayakal al Noor, Bodies of Light at the Islamic Museum of Melbourne
2021
Hayakal al Noor, Bodies of Light solo exhibition at Blackbox space AUT, Auckland, July 2021
Hayakal al Noor, Bodies of Light solo exhibition at Blacktown Arts Centre Sydney.
Take Care | E Tiaki, group show at artHAUS, Auckland, March 2021.
2020
Ko rÄtou, ko tātou | On Otherness and Us-ness Women of Islam, from inside and alongside at North Art Gallery
2018
Asfar at Papakura Art Gallery Auckland, New Zealand.
Asfar at Corban Estates Arts Centre, Auckland New Zealand
2017
Kuch Khass Artist Talk in Islamabad Pakistan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iljFBw2gxVM
2016
MFA Thesis Exhibition at Cermodern, Ankara
MFA Thesis Exhibition at FADA Exhibition Hall Bilkent University
2015
Bilkent Typography exhibition, Ankara
Bilkent Animation exhibition, Ankara
Bilkent Graduate Studio II Exhibition, Ankara
2014
Screening and official selection of film in 5th ART BY CHANCE Ultra Short Film Festival Istanbul
Bilkent Graduate Studio I Exhibition, Ankara
2013
FRESH Group show under 30 at Amin Gulgee Gallery Karachi
2012
Pasticheâ Group show at National Art Gallery  Islamabad
Pastiche Group show at Zahoor ul Akhlaq Gallery Lahore
Radio Show interview as young emerging artist on FM 107 Karachi
“Open Day Call” Exhibition at port grand in  Karachi Pakistan
Degree Show at National College of Arts Pakistan
2011
Group show at Fakhruddin Hall, Gurgan Iran.
Group show at Tehzeeb Gallery F7 Islamabad.
Group show of photography at Pakistan National Council of Arts