The exhibition and book launching of renowned artist Sadequain (1930-87) at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Monday certainly was unique and significant in various respects as it was the second largest exhibition of the legendary artist displayed in the history of Pakistan at the National Art gallery (NAG) premises.
Besides, the presence of PNCA former Director General Khalid Saeed Butt who appeared on the rostrum after 17 years of his retirement, surprised many who spoke bluntly shedding light on various aspects of the life and works of the late Sadequain. Last but not least, the exhibition also showcased some unique and old illustrations by the artist in original form that were well-preserved by the Council’s administration.
As many as 14 murals along with 15 prints were put on display in NAG’s galleries number 1 and 3, elegantly curated by PNCA in collaboration with Sadequain Foundation (SF), California. On the occasion, Sadequain’s nephew Salman Ahmed also launched his book ‘Mystic Expressions by Sadequain’.
The murals of Sadquain presented illustrations and interpretations on Ghalib, Iqbal, and 15 illustrations of oil on canvas. Giclee prints were also showcased in gallery No. 3.
Remembering the old days with Sadequain, Butt said the late artist enjoyed some exceptional traits- one being that he hated praise and admiration. “In Zia’s era, Sadequain’s paintings were put on display in PNCA office but surprisingly all paintings were removed from the office. However Sadequain rose to fame when his paintings were displayed in Mason Hall, Lahore with the title ‘Bos-o-Kinaar’ that attracted each viewer and they appreciated Sadequain works,” he said. But unfortunately, his collections for this exhibition were torched by Jamat-e-Islami activists.
Recalling another exhibition of Sadequain, Butt said in Ramadan during his exhibition and qiraat competition, the late artist spoke a one-liner that still haunted him. “Qiraat has its limits such as the time but calligraphy has its limits in space,” Butt said, quoting Sadequain.
The former PNCA DG said Sadequain had connected time and space through his paintings the way Dalí (a Spanish artist) did with his skilled draftsman and bizarre images- both artists could draw a single line and make it ‘sacred’ or ‘profane’ with a single dot.
Khalid Saeed Butt while appreciating the role of PNCA and Sadequain Foundation said that both institutions has worked wonders for the promotion and preservation of Sadequain’s work but the multifaceted work of Sadequain needed to be explored more.
Perto Rohela, Dr Arjumand Faisal, Musarrat Naheed Imam, Salman Ahmed and others also spoke on the occasion. “Sadequain displayed a commendable talent in all three distinctive traits in the arts and literature; he mastered the multiple disciplines as a painter, calligrapher and poet which is a unique combination,” they said.
“A mere look at one of his paintings or calligraphy pieces is enough to know that Sadequain gathered this praise not for nothing. He was super-human, a saint. He created a mural 175 feet long in 70 days during which time he hardly slept,” said Arjuman Faisal, one of the admirers of Sadequain who had spent time with him. Earlier, a 20 minute documentary highlighting the life and works of Sadeqauin was screened on the occasion in the auditorium that was half empty.
Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi was born in 1930 in Amroha and was a world renowned art legend. He was best known for his independent creative art and novice trends in Islamic Calligraphy. His superb original themes and huge murals dwarfed many and some are still regarded as matchless in the world. His international recognition was due to his introduction of new initiatives and trends in art and particularly poetic calligraphy which was almost nonexistent then. He was a master genius of his own self-inspired school of thought and no different from other great artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Salvador Dali. He died in 1987 at the age of 57 in Karachi. The exhibition will continue at the NAG until two months.
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