ISLAMABAD: Art lovers were in for a rare treat at the launch of a book featuring the unique process of creating pen and ink drawings that Sadequain went through to create his works.

The book launch was held at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). Apart from the launch, an exhibition and documentary screening marking the 35th death anniversary of the late artist were also held at the council.

The event began with the opening of Mystic Expressions wherein paintings from the National Art Gallery’s permanent collection were displayed.Afterwards, publication of the book compiled by the Sadequain Foundation (United States) titled, From the Sketchbook of Sadequain was announced.

The primary focus of the 260-page book is black and white drawings which were done as studies for the final set of drawings that Sadequain made to interpret his quatrains published in another book called Rubaiyat-i-Sadequain Naqqash.

Ali Sarwar Naqvi, currently working as founding executive director of the Centre for International Studies and Dr Mamoona Khan, head of department (HOD) and professor of art and design (Rawalpindi Women University) were invited as guest speakers to share their views about the artist. Both inspired the audience, which included students, ambassadors, and bureaucrats.

The 30-minute long documentary film titled Raaz-i-Fun, directed by Waseem Amrohavi took the viewer on a blissful odyssey, showing his journey from being a calligrapher and poet to becoming a painter.

Sadequain has been the subject of numerous documentaries such as PTV’s 13-episode serial titled Mojiza-i-Fun.

The film highlighted that even before the advent of social media, computers or even the television, Sadequain’s talent was recognised on all five continents.

The event was organised by the council in collaboration with Sadequain Foundation USA.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2022