‘Rawish-e-Qalandar’ Exhibition Highlights Enduring Influence of Sadequain on Pakistani Art

By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, through its Fine Art Committee, organized a special exhibition titled “Rawish-e-Qalandar” to commemorate the 39th death anniversary of internationally acclaimed painter Sadequain. The exhibition opened at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery as a tribute to one of Pakistan’s most influential modern artists.

Sindh Provincial Minister for Culture, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, inaugurated the exhibition alongside President Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Curated by Chairman of the Fine Art Committee, Farrukh Shahab, the exhibition features 27 artworks by Arts Council alumni and prominent Pakistani artists, including Masood A. Khan, A.S. Rind, Moeen Farooqi, Tanweer Farooqi, Khalid Khan Kaay, G.N. Qazi, Munawar Ali Syed, Fahim Rao, Arif Hussain Khokhar, Imran Zaib, S.M. Raza, Mohammad Kashif, Shamsuddin, Qasim Bugti, Umaina Khan, Zeenat Khan, Aakash Jivraj, Kiran Aslam, Zoya Abbas, Sohaina Eliaa, and Asim Naqvi.

The artworks on display draw inspiration from Sadequain’s iconic visual language, reflecting his enduring influence on contemporary Pakistani art.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Provincial Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said the gathering was dedicated to honoring Sadequain’s legacy, with artists from across Pakistan participating in the tribute. He noted that many artists had reinterpreted Sadequain’s celebrated works within their own creative expressions, while emphasizing that several of the master’s original pieces are now rare and difficult to access.

The minister underscored the importance of promoting Sadequain’s art and the work of other Pakistani artists to strengthen the country’s cultural identity. He encouraged young people to learn from these artistic pioneers, noting that Pakistani artists have historically brought global recognition to the country. He also highlighted the Arts Council’s ongoing role in providing a vital platform for emerging talent.

Referring to Sadequain’s monumental contributions to mural art, the minister said his name continues to hold a distinguished place in the global art world. He announced plans to organize a conference in Sadequain’s name and establish a permanent gallery dedicated to him.

President Arts Council Pakistan, Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah described Sadequain as a defining symbol of the nation’s cultural identity. He said the artist’s achievements brought international acclaim to Pakistani art, earning prestigious recognition in France and the United Kingdom. “Sadequain was not merely an artist, but a visionary and cultural icon,” he remarked.

Ahmed Shah also recalled his efforts to have Sadequain posthumously awarded Pakistan’s highest civil honor, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, 34 years after his death. He noted that he similarly supported the recognition of renowned Sufi singer Abida Parveen with the same award.

Farrukh Shahab, Chairman of the Fine Art Committee, said the exhibition was organized to celebrate Sadequain’s life and artistic contributions. He also acknowledged Provincial Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah for his continued support of the arts and cultural institutions in Pakistan.

The exhibition attracted a large number of art enthusiasts and will remain open to the public until February 17 at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery, Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.