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Shakir Ali

Shakir Ali was one of the greatest artists of the 20^th century, having a keen sense to feel and interpret human emotions and thoughts. The legend not only felt by heart the pains and pleasures of his fellow beings but also described them in colours and lines.
 
Being a gifted painter and calligrapher, Shakir earned great name and fame throughout the globe. He was perhaps the first Asian painter who adopted the modern art as his mean of expression. Before plunging into this field, he got professional education and training from some of the most prestigious institutes like J. J. School of Art and Slade School of London. He also visited Paris and worked with Andre L’Hote.
 
All these rich experiences boosted up Shakir’s confidence and strengthened his instinctive urge to play with colours.
 
The veteran artists started his career with the classical European myths including ‘Europa and the Bull’ and ‘Leda and the Swan’. He tried his best to incorporate the issues and phenomenon of the Asian region with the themes of the modern art. The purpose of this hotchpotch was to make his work appealing to the whole humanity.
 
In Shakir’s paintings, the red colour seems to be the most prominent as this represent both love and alarm. Moreover, he illustrated birds in most of his products. According to him, birds signify the true essence of freedom and nothingness
 
Containing immense experience under his belt, the celebrated artist served as the principle of the National College of Arts, Lahore from 1961 to 1973. Prior to this, he had worked there as Head of the Art Department.
 
During his teaching tenure, Shakir prepared some of the elegant artists who made many marks in this field.
 
Till his last breathe, Shakir remained vibrant and efficient, not leaving anything unexplored in his field. He painted a lot of masterpieces that received immense applause in international exhibitions. Throughout his life, he held many exhibitions both locally and globally.
 
Shakir’s fans are scattered all over the world. He is the artist of all times and all humans. He is as respected in Europe as he is famous in Asia.
 
The great artist spent his life both in India and Pakistan but the major part of his works belongs to Pakistan where he served on some distinctive positions.
 
After retiring from NCA, Shakir lived only for two years and breathed his last in 1975. With his death, a big era of art doomed. But the works he produces will keep lightening the hearts and minds of the coming generations.
 
For his marvellous works, Shakir received many glorious awards. His death anniversary is celebrated every year with sheer respect and devotion.
 
In fact, it is almost impossible to write the history of art without mentioning Shakir Ali in the list of the top-class artists. He was a super genius indeed. The greats like him come rare. God bless his soul. The world will never forget him. The torches he lightened will keep glowing forever.