Mashkoor Raza

Mashkoor Raza (1948 – 3 February 2025) was a Pakistani painter and art educator. He was known for works in realism, abstract art, and impressionism, calligraphy, and for recurring equestrian themes.

Early life and education Raza was born in 1948 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. His family migrated to Pakistan when he was a child. He studied at the Karachi School of Art, graduating in 1972 with a gold medal. He later taught at the same institution for a brief period. He studied under Rabia Zuberi, Hajra Zuberi, and Mansoor Rahi.

A book titled Mashkoor Raza's Journey, authored by Nadeem Zuberi, was published several years before Raza's death. It documents various experiences from his life and phases of his artistic career.

Career In 1990, Raza established the Mashkoor School of Art. Alongside his art practice, he worked in textile design.

Awards In August 2024, the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi held an event in his honour. One of his paintings had been on display there for four decades. Raza was awarded the Pride of Performance in 2007. Some sources state he received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2023, while others argue that the award was the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.