Sakib Afridi - Sci-fi Sufism and the Journey Within

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Saks Afridi, a Pakistan-born, New York-based artist whose works transcend time and space. Afridi’s artistic vision combines the mysticism of Sufism with the speculative aesthetics of science fiction, a genre he terms 'Sci-fi Sufism.' Drawing inspiration from ancient South Asian and Middle Eastern culture, Afridi’s creations are meditative explorations of the self, rendered through a futuristic lens.

 

Saks Afridi brings a multidisciplinary approach to his art, informed by his background as a Creative Director in advertising. A graduate of the Academy of Art with further studies in sculpture at the Art Students League of New York, Afridi channels his diverse expertise into his artistic practice. His accolades, including Gold Cannes Lions and a United Nations Award for Peace & Understanding, reflect his unique ability to communicate profound narratives. Fluent in English, Urdu, Pashto, and conversational Arabic, Afridi’s work resonates across cultures and boundaries, creating a universal dialogue about self-discovery.

  • Featured Work: Night Time Odyssey

    Dimensions: W 4.5ft x H 2.8ft
    'Night Time Odyssey' invites viewers on a transformative journey through a mystical nocturnal landscape. Afridi crafts an immersive visual experience...

     Night Time Odyssey, W 4.5 ft x H 2.8 ft, 2024 (Embroidered)

    "Night Time Odyssey" invites viewers on a transformative journey through a mystical nocturnal landscape. Afridi crafts an immersive visual experience where the journey itself becomes a metaphor for introspection. The guiding presence of a driver's hand amidst towering mountains and shadowed forests under a luminous starry sky evokes a sense of wonder and purpose.

     

    A rich palette of deep blues and greens contrasts with radiant golden orbs, symbolizing the interplay of darkness and illumination. The snow-capped mountain, imposing yet serene, emerges as a beacon of enlightenment—a destination where clarity and self-awareness reside. Afridi's intricate interplay of light and shadow celebrates the transformative power of nighttime travel, where the obscurity of darkness often reveals profound truths.

     

    Key Themes

    • Mysticism Meets Futurism: A harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and futuristic aesthetics.
    • Introspection and Self-Discovery: A visual narrative of uncovering clarity through the obscurity of night.
    • Symbolism of Light: Golden orbs symbolize enlightenment, while the starry sky connects the earthly to the divine.

  • Explore Saks Afridi’s Universe

    This piece represents Afridi’s broader artistic philosophy of combining ancient traditions with speculative futures. Through 'Sci-fi Sufism,' Afridi bridges the...
    Night Time Odyssey, W 4.5 ft x H 2.8 ft, 2024 (Original Painting)

    This piece represents Afridi’s broader artistic philosophy of combining ancient traditions with speculative futures. Through 'Sci-fi Sufism,' Afridi bridges the past and the future, inviting us to embark on personal odysseys of the soul.