From astonishing digital paintings to gigantic snow sculptures Zahoor is certainly making a visible impact in contemporary art world. A graphic artist from Kashmir’s Baramulla district, zahoor is also the Founder of ‘Callisto Art and Culture’ a group that works to promote the culture of organizing snow festivals in India. Zahoor pursued his master’s degree in Fine Arts (Applied Art) from Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi.
Zahoor sees art as a means of expression as well as a necessity to cope up with uncertainties faced by people living in places trapped in conflict. “I took art as the medium to cope up with the stress of my personal experiences of physical assaults, humiliation, unrest and suppression of freedom of speech” he said’. Adding that, “in places like Kashmir one can easily fall into depression as situation is very harsh and unkind, and I believe it’s only through art that one can overcome such situations”.
Zahoor has worked as a designer with various graphics and designing companies in India. in a statement he said, “Each experience has helped me grow as a designer and as a person,I enjoy learning from my peers and I keep up to date with the latest methods”. Zahoor exhibits a mastery in computer softwares, he is well versed in handling Illustrator, Photoshop, After-effects, as well as Corel Draw, Sketch up, 3D Max, Cinema 4D and several web tools like Flash and more.
Zahoor has participated in various national and international art events and festivals including 2nd International Contest of Monumental Hay and Corn Sculptures, “Snow Fiesta a 30 days snow sculpting Camp at Gulmarg Kashmir organized by E-Planner in collaboration with J&K Tourism in 2014.
Zahoor participated and lead India’s first Snow Sculpture team in International Snow Sculpture Championship held in United States in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Zahoor can be reached at Zkashmiri85@gmail.com
