Syed Ahmed Sadequain Naqvi, born on June 30, 1923, in Amroha, India, was a legendary Pakistani artist, calligrapher, and poet. His rise to fame began in 1955, when he exhibited works at the residence of Prime Minister H.S. Suhrawardy, a patron of the arts. In 1957, he encountered the cactus plants in Gadani, which became a symbol in his later works. Sadequain’s artistic talents were further recognized in 1960 when he won the Pakistan National Prize for Painting. After moving to Paris in the early 1960s, he achieved international acclaim, including the 1964 commission to illustrate the French edition of Albert Camus’s L’Étranger. Sadequain returned to Pakistan in 1967 and continued creating monumental works, including murals and calligraphy paintings. On February 10, 1987, Sadequain passed away in Karachi, leaving behind an immense legacy. His work is preserved and celebrated at the Sadequain Art Gallery, which opened in 2011.
Sadequain’s painting style was a fusion of Eastern calligraphy and Western figurative art, making him a pioneer of the hurufiyah art movement. A Legendary Pakistani artist of his time who painted more than 15,000 pieces consisting of gigantic murals, intriguing paintings, innovative calligraphies, exquisite drawings, and composed thousands of introspective quatrains. His works, including the Cactus Series, Mystic Figurations Series, and Crucifixion Series, are known for their symbolic use of color and powerful metaphors. Sadequain’s murals, like the one at Frere Hall in Karachi, remain landmarks of his career. His approach to painting, characterized by intricate brushwork and poetic elements, is often paired with his calligraphy paintings, which were influenced by classical poets such as Iqbal, Ghalib, and Faiz. His art not only resonated in Pakistan but also made a significant impact internationally, as he sought to merge calligraphy with contemporary art. Sadequain’s murals and calligraphy paintings continue to be celebrated for their depth and expressive power.
Throughout his career, Sadequain received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to the arts. These included national honors like the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz and Sitara-i-Imtiaz, as well as international recognition, such as the Australian Cultural Award, Gold Mercury Award,and the Laureate Biennale de Paris. Sadequain’s artistry was widely praised, with Le Monde referring to him as “the Picasso of the East” in 1964. His dedication to public art is seen in his massive murals, many of which he donated to the public. His works, including Sadequain calligraphy paintings, have continued to appreciate in value, He did not simply produce ordinary paintings to earn a living, but painted monuments and donated all to mankind. If sold in current market, his work is worth more than billion dollars. Sadequain’s paintings for sale may also be found on Clifton Art Gallery Master collection section.
