About Anwar Jalal Shemza
​(1928-1985)

Anwar Jalal Shemza (born Simla 1928, died Stafford 1985), is a world-renowned British Pakistani painter. There has been greater recognition of his work since his death in 1985 beginning with the pioneering exhibition ‘The Other Story’ 1989, Hayward Gallery. Shemza’s painting ‘The Wall’ was chosen to illustrate the cover of the catalogue. His unique style developed through a painting practice which fused Western ideas of abstraction with Eastern influences such as Islamic architecture and calligraphy.

Selected public collections include: Tate, British Museum (UK), Metropolitan Museum, (USA), Guggenheim (Abu Dhabi), Sharjah Art Foundation, and M+ Museum, (Hong Kong).
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The Estate of Anwar Jalal Shemza is represented by Hales Gallery (London) and Jhaveri Contemporary (London, India).

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Tigers & Dragons
​23rd May - 2nd November 2025
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea

Three of Anwar Shemza's works will be exhibited as part of this exhibition co-curated by Zehra Jumabhoy. Tigers & Dragons: India and Wales in Britain is an extraordinary exhibition that delves into the deep-rooted connections between the Indian Subcontinent and Wales.

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Works

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"One circle, one square, one problem, one life is not enough to solve it” - Anwar Jalal Shemza, 1962