Askari Mian Irani, born in 1940 in Saharanpur, pre-Partition India, was a renowned Pakistani artist who made significant contributions to the country’s art scene. He graduated in 1967 with a degree in Commercial Design from the Mayo School of Arts in Lahore, now known as the National College of Arts (NCA). After working in the advertising industry for nearly a decade, Askari transitioned into teaching, joining NCA’s Faculty of Design in 1976. His upbringing in a religious environment, coupled with the influence of renowned artists such as Shakir Ali and Sadequain, shaped his creative journey. Askari believed in the ability of art to unite people through shared divine experiences, a theme that resonated throughout his work.
Askari Mian Irani’s painting style was a fusion of traditional Indian court and Mughal miniature painting techniques, merged with modern sensibilities. Influenced by his background in commercial design and the Pop Art movement, his work often reinterpreted these historical themes on a larger scale, infusing them with contemporary artistic expressions. His pieces featured detailed depictions of royal hunts and other Mughal-era subjects, but with a distinct twist — cracked surfaces, dripping paint, and a sense of age that created an air of mystery. Through these innovative methods, Askari brought new life to classic imagery, blending the ornate details of the past with bold, avant-garde techniques to create a unique visual language that reflected both historical reverence and modern critique.
Awards and Recognition
Askari Mian Irani’s work earned him significant recognition both nationally and internationally. In 1981, he designed two stamps for Pakistan, marking the country’s appreciation of his artistic talent. He received the prestigious Pride of Performance Award from the President of Pakistan in 2002, cementing his legacy in the nation’s cultural history. His influence continued even after his death in 2004, as he was posthumously honored with a commemorative stamp by Pakistan Post in 2006. Throughout his career, Askari enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success, even opening his own gallery in Lahore, which further established his prominence in the art world.
