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Who was Sadequain?

Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi (born June 30, 1930 – February 10, 1987) was a renowned Pakistani artist and poet, widely recognized for his exceptional skills in calligraphy and painting. He is considered one of the greatest artists in Pakistan’s history, having created around 15,000 paintings. Sadequain is the only artist in Pakistan to receive all four major civilian awards: Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, and Pride of Performance.

In addition to his artistic talents, he was also a poet, writing many rubāʿiyāt (quatrains) in the style of famous poets Omar Khayyam and Sarmad Kashani.

Early Life

Sadequain was born on June 30, 1930, in Amroha, India, into a family of calligraphers. His family migrated to Pakistan during the 1947 partition and settled in the Nazimabad area of Karachi. In the late 1940s, he joined the Progressive Writers’ and Artists Movement. His talent was recognized by Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, who helped bring him into the spotlight. Sadequain also spent some time in Paris to further develop his artistic skills.

Calligraphy and Art

Sadequain was known for his calligraphy, particularly in the Urdu script, which became iconic in South Asian art. He was part of the Hurufiyya movement, which aimed to integrate calligraphy into contemporary art, rejecting Western styles in favor of creating new visual languages rooted in Islamic culture and heritage. Sadequain transformed calligraphy into a modern aesthetic, influencing generations of Pakistani artists.

He painted numerous works inspired by classical poets like Ghalib, Iqbal, and Faiz, and also illustrated works of French author Albert Camus. His paintings were often large murals for public buildings, where he sought to portray collective human effort rather than decorate private spaces for the rich. His murals, such as those in the State Bank of Pakistan, Frere Hall Karachi, and Mangla Dam, conveyed deep social and intellectual themes, often reflecting the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people.

Murals

Sadequain’s murals were among his most famous works, often monumental in scale. Some of his notable murals include:

  • State Bank of Pakistan (62′ x 10′), titled Treasures of Time, depicting the intellectual progress from ancient Greece to modern thinkers like Einstein.
  • Frere Hall, Karachi, with a mural representing Earth and the Heavens—his final work, left unfinished upon his death.
  • Mangla Dam, titled Saga of Labor, a tribute to the working class, which remains one of his largest murals.

These murals, along with others at locations like Punjab University, Lahore Museum, and Banaras Hindu University, showcase Sadequain’s ability to blend artistic skill with social commentary.

Rubaiyat and Poetry

Sadequain’s artistic journey also included poetry, especially rubaiyat (quatrains), inspired by poets like Omar Khayyam. He created hundreds of his own rubaiyat, which were highly praised and published in collections like Rubaiyyat-e-Sadequain Naqqash. He blended his skills as a poet, calligrapher, and painter, creating a unique fusion of art and literature. His works often addressed themes of human suffering, social justice, and the pursuit of truth.

Philosophy and Social Commentary

Sadequain was a self-proclaimed “Faqir” (mystic) who rejected societal greed and hypocrisy. In an interview, he explained that he painted not to depict beauty, but to capture the raw truth of human suffering and perseverance. His works, whether paintings or poetry, often reflected his concern for social issues and the struggles of the common people.

Renaissance of Islamic Calligraphy

Sadequain played a pivotal role in reviving Islamic calligraphy in Pakistan, transforming it into a serious art form. His calligraphic works, with their dynamic and expressive alphabets, portrayed the spiritual power of the words of the Quran. He created his own distinctive script, breaking away from traditional forms and incorporating motion and emotion into his works.

Iconic Works and Legacy

Sadequain’s art is celebrated for its fusion of symbolism, philosophy, and social commentary. His works ranged from abstract calligraphy to powerful representations of labor and human struggle. His murals, especially the Saga of Labor at Mangla Dam and the Last Supper painting, earned him recognition both in Pakistan and internationally.

Throughout his life, Sadequain gave away many of his paintings and murals, considering them gifts to the people. Despite receiving numerous awards, he preferred to focus on his art rather than attend ceremonies. His works continue to be admired for their depth, complexity, and the powerful messages they convey.

Influence and Recognition

Sadequain exhibited his works worldwide, and his influence on art, calligraphy, and literature remains profound. His legacy as an artist and poet continues to inspire future generations, and his murals and poetry are an enduring part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. His life and work were extensively covered in media, and a notable book, The Holy Sinner, was published posthumously, cataloging his paintings and achievements.

Key-work

1955 – Painted a mural at Jinnah Hospital; exhibited at Frere Hall, Karachi.

1963 – Held several exhibitions in the US.

1964–65 – Created lithographic illustrations for L’Étranger by Albert Camus.

1967 – Executed a mural at Mangla Dam.

1968 – Painted a mural at Punjab University Library.

1969 – Created calligraphy of Sura-e-Rehman and the Crucifixion Series, with one painting later sold for GBP 118,750 at a 2017 auction in London.

1970 – Held a one-man show; produced a prize-winning collection of Rubaiyyat, published privately as Rubaiyyat-e-Sadequain Naqqash.1973 – Painted murals at Lahore Museum.

1974 – Exhibited in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

1976 – Painted a mural at the National Bank of Pakistan, Lahore; featured in the TV series Mojiza-e-Fun.1977 – Illustrated the poetry of Ghalib, Iqbal, and Faiz on canvas.

1979 – Painted a mural in Abu Dhabi.

1981 – Toured India and painted murals in Aligarh, Banaras, Hyderabad, and Delhi.

1985 – Illustrated the works of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.

1986 – Painted a mural at Frere Hall, Karachi.

Death

Sadequain passed away on February 10, 1987, in Karachi, Pakistan, at the age of 56. He is buried in the Sakhi Hassan graveyard in Karachi.

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