Pakistan is a country whose land has been the home of civilizations for centuries. The soil here gave birth to Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Gandhara, Mughal and other civilizations of the subcontinent. Fine arts always reflect human society, and painting is the most fascinating and emotional genre among these arts. The history of Pakistani painting is very deep, diverse and colorful, which contains a treasure trove of different periods, styles and personalities.
Ancient Painting
Archaeology of painting in the present-day area of Pakistan is found in the oldest civilizations. The colorful impressions on the walls, pots and clay toys of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa are proof that the people here were familiar with pictorial expression. Although the purpose of painting during this time was mostly symbolic and religious, they still had an artistic touch.
The period of Gandhara art is also very important for painting in the Pakistani region. The characteristic of this period was to depict Buddhist stories on stones and walls with color and patterns. In these paintings, special attention was paid to the expressions of human faces, body structure and the subtlety of the background.
Islamic Period Painting
After the advent of Islamic civilization, art based on calligraphy and geometry gained more popularity. Beautiful carvings and combinations of colors on the walls of mosques, palaces and madrasas became the hallmark of this period. Although images of living beings were rarely made due to religious restrictions, natural landscapes, flowers and plants and beautiful designs were included in the paintings.
Miniature painting flourished during the Mughal period. Lahore, Multan and Thatta became important centers of this art. The courts of kings, hunting scenes, war events and royal festivals were painted on thin paper with ink and natural colors.
The foundation of the modern era of the subcontinent
When European-style schools and colleges were established in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the influences of Western painting also began to be noticeable. During this period, emphasis was placed on oil paints, canvas and realism. Painters presented villages, cities and various aspects of human life in a new way.
Painting after the establishment of Pakistan
After the establishment of our country Pakistan in 1947, an attempt began to find a new identity in the fine arts. Painters began to promote a style that reflected Pakistani culture, religion and society. During this period, not only miniatures and calligraphy were revived, but modern art also began.
Important Pakistani painters and their contributions
Abdul Rehman Chughtai
The name of Abdul Rehman Chughtai will always be written in golden letters in Pakistani painting. His style was a beautiful blend of traditional miniature and modernity. He gave new life to Mughal art and incorporated oriental aesthetics in his work. The harmony of colors, subtlety and cultural themes were prominent in Chughtai's paintings.
Sadiqeen
Sadiqeen is considered one of the most unique painters of Pakistan. He combined calligraphy and painting to create masterpieces that reflected both spirituality and modernity. His large murals (artwork painted on walls) adorn many buildings in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
Allah Bakhsh
Allah Bakhsh was a painter of rural life and folk tales. He immortalized the rural women, fields and folk tales of Punjab in his colors. Realism and truthfulness of emotions were prominent in his art.
Zubaida Agha
Zubaida Agha was the first female modern painter of Pakistan. She gave a Pakistani color to Western modernity and adopted an abstract style in her paintings. Her art featured a bold combination of colors.
Gulji
Gulji was famous for his portrait art and modern calligraphy. He made Pakistan famous internationally. His works were decorated not only in domestic but also in foreign galleries.
Bashir Mirza
Bashir Mirza combined modernity and Pakistani themes. His paintings featured social issues, human faces and the colors of urban life.
Modern trends in painting
Over time, new experiments and trends have been added to Pakistani painting. Today, digital art, photorealism, installation art and multimedia painting have also become popular. Young artists are also working on global platforms to make their mark.
Painting education and institutions
Several institutions are working to promote painting in Pakistan, such as the National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore, Karachi School of Arts and Fatima Jinnah University. These institutions not only teach the new generation artistic skills but also prepare them for competition at the global level.
Art exhibitions
Exhibitions are regularly held in art galleries in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, where new and old artists present their art to the public and critics. These exhibitions play an important role in the promotion of fine arts.
Challenges and Issues
Pakistani painting faces many challenges, such as not getting a fair price for its works, low representation at the global level and the limitations of the art market. Despite this, our artists are keeping the sector alive with their hard work and dedication.
Future Directions
The future of Pakistani painting looks bright. Young artists are showcasing their work full-time through modern technology, digital platforms and international art fairs.