Q1. Tell us about your journey – what drew you towards Indo-Persian Miniature Paintings.

From a young age, I was fascinated by art, particularly the intricate details found in tiny objects and materials. This early interest led me to pursue miniature painting as a major subject in college. During my studies at the National College of Arts, I was deeply inspired by Mughal miniature paintings, especially the vibrant colours and unique techniques used by old masters like Balachand and Payag. The historical richness and the stylised life drawings of the Mughal era captivated me and I began to develop my own style influenced by these elements. My work aims to bridge the gap between the past and the present, creating a contemporary mirror of Mughal art.

Q2. What inspired you to create your own pigments from naturally occurring elements like Turquoise, Gold, Lapis Lazuli?

My interest in creating natural pigments stems from my childhood experiences. Watching my father, a physician, make medicines at home using ingredients like saffron, gold leaf, Cinnabar and gum Arabic, I was fascinated by the process of mixing and creating. This early exposure to natural materials sparked my curiosity about historical art techniques. As I grew older, I studied the methods used by old masters like Leonardo da Vinci and began experimenting with making colours from various natural sources. The connection between my artistic practice and my childhood memories makes the process of creating natural pigments particularly meaningful to me.

Q3. Which visual stories did you most enjoy creating?

My works often depicts Mughal figures and icons, wrapped in rich narratives and memories. The process of painting these historical figures and their belongings, such as textiles and turbans, allows me to delve into the ephemeral nature of existence. With some ornate floral hash’iya borders and others plainer and more ragged, to reflect the philosophical ideas embedded in my work. For instance, the ragged frames suggest that the glories of history are subject to decay, while the slightly opaque rendering of faces hints at the mortality of life.

One of my favourite projects involved creating paintings inspired by the intricate patterns and vibrant colours of Mughal textiles, capturing the beauty and elegance of their designs. The sharp and brilliant colours of the costumes contrast with the deliberately dulled faces, playing with notions of certainty and uncertainty. This dynamic evokes a sense of wistful nostalgia, suggesting that even great beauty is vulnerable to loss. Additionally, I’ve created works with pure text, such as an untitled artwork on linen with lapis lazuli and gold leaf, depicting Kufic writing in the manner of the rare Blue Quran manuscript. This piece includes a couplet from Hairat Allahabadi’s ghazal:

ہٮ ﮵ںٮ﮲ ٮ﮳شر یوٮٔک ےس موت یاٮ ﮹ن ہآگا” “ہٮ﮵ںٮ﮲ ﮲حٮ﮳ر کی ٮ﮹ل ٮ>ے اک ٮ﮳رس سو سامان

Agah apni maut se koi bashar nahin
No one can foresee the time of death

Saman saubaras ka hai pal ki khabar nahin

We plan for a century not knowing if we will draw our next breath reflecting on the unpredictability of death versus our certainty in the longevity of plans. These idea, expressed through both figurative and textual elements, highlight the transient nature of existence and the profound reflections on time and mortality that art can offer.

Q4. What is the creative environment in Lahore like? Is it supportive towards Artists?

Lahore has a vibrant and supportive creative environment, with a rich cultural heritage that inspires many artists. The city is home to several art institutions, galleries and museums that provide platforms for artists to showcase their work. There is a strong sense of community among artists in Lahore, with numerous opportunities for collaboration and artistic exchange. While there are challenges, such as limited resources and funding, the passion and dedication of the artistic community in Lahore help overcome these obstacles. The support from fellow artists and art enthusiasts plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity in the city.