“Festival” by Kaukab Barni Merchant, De Moines Branch
Oil on Canvas, 30 x 40

Kaukab Barni Merchant was a faculty member at Karachi School of Arts in Pakistan. She was also an art and design teacher, as well as head of the Art Department of Karachi Grammar School. She has B.A. and B.ED. degrees from Karachi University and a graphic design diploma from Karachi School of Arts.

Merchant has illustrated many books and book covers. She was selected for the Nuffield Fellowship from the United Kingdom to teach design in the Commonwealth Institute London and selected by UNESCO for a book designing and illustration course. A recipient of numerous awards by the government of Pakistan as well as being featured in international exhibitions, Merchant had an ornament selected for the White House’s permanent collection.