SHAKIR ALI POSTAGE STAMP
Shakir Ali had received an extensive art education at the J.J. School of Art Bombay, the Slade School of Art, London, in France with Andre L'Hote, and in Prague, before he came to Pakistan. He began by painting in the style of Braque, making bull's heads and still-life in a Cubist manner. Later, he found his own style in which human figures, horses and cattle were reduced to their basic structure in a few bold, powerful lines. There was masterly economy in his style and tremendous force in his line. The distortion of the natural form was based on a close study of nature.
Shakir Ali is acknowledged as the founder of Modern art in Pakistan, and he introduced the philosophy and developments in art to a generation of young artists.
Shakir's position as a teacher gave him a special opportunity to influence the young artists of Lahore. Moreover, his friendly nature brought him in touch with a large section of the cultural world, his persuasive and sincere manner of talking helped him to bring round the young artists to his manner of thinking.
Once a discussion with artists and art critics Shakir Ali said, "I am not totally abstract. This is a period of symbolism. Every artist passes through this period and I think I am also passing through this period. Similarly the moon and flowers which shine equally all over the world, symbolized universality."
In this connection, it is relevant to quote some observations that Shakir Ali made in a talk he gave before a gathering in Lahore in 1966.
"Each one of us is born with a bird, free unfettered, reaching out for the infinite. But owing to the prejudices of our civilization, the restriction of our families and the superimposition of convention, that bird is caged and lost its notes of freedom. I am trying to find that bird in men. And if I do, I will pass it on. That bird will go right from me to you".
Shakir Ali was one of the first artists to explore calligraphy in a painterly style.
He was awarded the President's Award for the Pride of Performance in 1967 and Sitara-e-lmtiaz in 1971.
Courtesy Marjorie Husain
This series of Pakistani commemorative postage stamps is a posthumous tribute to Ten Great Painters who helped to raise an awareness of art in Pakistan and established their names in the universal art world.
Marjorie Husain
This series of Pakistani commemorative postage stamps is a posthumous tribute to Ten Great Painters who helped to raise an awareness of art in Pakistan and established their names in the universal art world.
Pakistan Post