Sara Aziz

Sara studied Art and Design in O levels and A levels from The Lahore Alma (Pakistan). She then went on to do a Foundation Year at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore before joining the Duncan of Jordanstone School of Art and Design, graduated with a BA in Fine Art in 2010.

Since graduation, Sara has taught art at some of the top schools in Lahore and is currently working as a Studio Manager for world renowned artist Rashid Rana.

"Pakistani girls often come from protected, sheltered backgrounds and naturally there are strong reservations about going off to a completely new environment. But being an artist, going to Dundee symbolized everything I needed: independence, freedom of expression and a chance to find myself as an artist, and as a person.

"The university had put me in an accommodation with a mix of girls, from different backgrounds studying different things. Some of these girls ended up becoming my best friends, and we lived together for the rest of our time in Dundee. There is also a strong Pakistani base in Dundee, people who look forward to having you as part of their family, and who go out of their way to look out for you. Incredibly, I felt at home instantly.

"Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee was great. The first year lets you dabble in everything, so you go into second year sure of what you want to do. You feel invincible because whatever crazy idea you come up with, it feels like the tutors come together to make it possible. There's a lot of freedom; and how productive you are really depends entirely on you, so it's very important to be focused and responsible. There are a lot of opportunities so if you are open and eager, you can achieve a lot in these four years.

"The degree show was one of the best experiences of my life. I got a great response and very good reviews. It gave the boost I needed for the future and a curator invited me to exhibit in Edinburgh, which I did before returning home. Since my return to Lahore I have been working with Rashid Rana, one of South Asia's most innovative and important contemporary artists, and teaching art part-time."