Shahzia Sikander was born in 1969 in Lahore, Pakistan. She is a Pakistani-American artist who works in drawing, painting, animation, large-scale installation, performance and video. Sikander was traditionally taught the discipline of Indo-Persian miniature painting, where she studied at The National College of Lahore in Pakistan. Sikander received her MFA from Rhode Island School of Art and Design in 1995.

Sikander explores the integration of Hindu and Muslim culture by combining allegories from both societies and exploring imagery that communicates the hybridity of her experiences including, her personal history, politics and sexuality. Religion is a significant element in her art as well as her personal life, as an artist and practicing Muslim. Sikander explores in particular, the role of Muslim women and challenges the view Westerners have of associating Islam only with terrorism and the oppression of women.

Sikander has held solo exhibitions throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Australia and Hong Kong. She has had solo exhibitions at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and at the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago.