Prof Anna Molka Ahmed was a famous Pakistani artist and pioneer of fine arts in the country after the Partition.
She was a professor of fine arts at the University of the Punjab in Lahore. She was born to Jewish parents in London.
Her mother was Polish and father Russian. She studied painting, sculpture and design at St Martin School of Arts in London.
After marrying Sheikh Ahmed, a would-be Pakistani, in October 1939, she converted to Islam.
Although her marriage was over in 1951, she lived in Pakistan with her two daughters. She was awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, the highest civil award, for her services in the field of fine arts education in the country.
In 1940, Prof Em Anna Molka Ahmed set up the Department of Fine Arts, now the College of Arts and Design, at the University of the Punjab, which has now become a centre of excellence for fine arts in Pakistan.
Her students turned into famous artists at home, whereas many of them are recognised internationally.
Photos courtesy VASL Art
Anna Molka Ahmed – pioneer of fine arts in Pakistan
