Mohammad Ali sits before a painting of a semi-naked man and declares his work has never been censored in conservative Muslim Pakistan, where an artistic vanguard are challenging taboos in the chaotic city of Karachi.

"I have done some pretty bold and risky works but luckily I did not face any," says the 27-year-old, a rising star who paints figurative, contemporary images exploring gender, politics and sex.

Ali has a theory about why, in a developing country where women are traditionally veiled and even unproven allegations of blasphemy can stir mob violence, he has been so free.