Shakir Ali Museum
Shakir Ali Museum is situated brightly in the Garden town of Lahore, Pakistan, established to commemorate the brilliant and famous Pakistani artist and art teacher. Shakir Ali was a well-known figure in Pakistani Art, displaying his work worldwide. He was an accomplished painter, sculptor, and teacher, and his work has helped shape the course of Pakistani Art and an endless fascination with the world around him.
This Museum is a legacy that honors Shakir Ali’s accomplishments and helps young artists learn more about his life and work. If you’re an artist, or even if you’re just interested in Art, visiting the Shakir Ali Museum in Lahore will help you learn many new things. Shakir Ali Museum is one of the well-known museums in Pakistan.
Who was Shakir Ali?
Pakistan has produced great authoritative names in science, literature, and Arts. But the field in which it made many renowned artists, whose skills are recognized worldwide, is the field of painting. Among the famous artists is Shakir Ali, the founder of modern conceptual Paintings in Pakistan. Shakir Ali was a great Pakistani artist and an influential art teacher. The great artist served his services as the principal of the National College of Arts in Lahore. After joining Mayo School of Art in 1954, he changed the name of this school to the National College of Arts in 1958. He became its principal in 1962. He had hands-on experience in Modern Arts from Paris. After studying Art at J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, he went to Slade School of Fine Art in London. After working in Paris with Andre L’Hote, he went to Prague to gain higher studies in painting. He devoted his life to teaching the education of Art, and as a result of his efforts, many talented artists and painters emerged in the land of Pakistan.
The Architecture of Shakir Ali Museum
Built with dark burnt bricks, heavy black timber doors, and course mortar, the Shakir Ali museum Lahore has the most unique and beautiful architecture. The building is a combination of western and eastern designs and architecture. According to some students, Shakir Ali chose the architectural design of the building. That is why it took almost ten years to complete the construction. The entrance inside the Museum is through a heavy, wooden black door. Various black and white photographs are adorning the walls. The large windows flood the Museum with natural light, and the building is airy, even without fans. There are two portions of the Museum: the direct entrance into the spacious hall and the other leads to the upstairs area where the main gallery is located. As you enter the arena, you may see black and white pictures of Shakir Ali on either side, showing the artist’s meeting with his colleagues and friends. A unique and artistic stone wall is also present. There is a living or dining room devoted to the creative skills of Shakir Ali, where paintings of Shakir Ali and his students and some unique articles decorate the walls. Each corner of the Museum serves a sense of enthusiasm and inspiration.
Who Built Shakir Ali Museum?
Nayyar Ali Dada, a student and close friend of Shakir Ali, built this residence according to the requirements of his friend. He designed a unique and modern layout with high ceilings, open spaces, split levels, wide corridors, lobbies, and a chic balcony. Pakistan National Council of Arts (P.N.C.A.) inaugurated this Museum in 1975 after the death of Shakir Ali.
Attractions Inside Shakir Ali Museum
Shakir Ali museum Lahore provides its visitors a glimpse into the life of a great artist through the display of many enchanting artifacts like personal belongings, paintings, and portraits of Shakir Ali, a wide range of Art books, some abstract pieces, illustrations, sculptures, and much more. Let’s go through a virtual glimpse of the Shakir Ali Museum.
Collection of Artist Paintings
The Museum houses an extensive collection of the paintings of Shakir Ali and his students. In his Paintings, he used prominent geometrical patterns, mystic methods of color selection, and cubism. He expressed his lonely personality in his artwork. The collection of paintings includes:
⦁ A Painting depicting still life
⦁ A Painting of a nude woman
⦁ Diptych by Shakir Ali and ink print paintings
⦁ A bull painting and miniature paintings of birds
Library of Art & Literature Books
The basement of the Museum’s research library consists of many literature and art sciences books. It is an excellent opportunity for the researchers and the people having a quest for Art. The library houses 3737 books, activity reports, books of poetry, journals, and portfolios. P.N.C.A. has taken responsibility for reprinting these books to preserve the masterpieces of the great artist. Some of the books displayed in the library are:
⦁ The Landmark Theatre and Kamal Ahmed Rizvi Kay Panch Drama.
⦁ Puppet in Pakistan
⦁ Mazameen-i-Mauseeqi (Subjects of music)
⦁ Ahmed Pervaiz: Fun Aur Shakhsiaat, published in 1982.
National Awards & Medals
As you enter the premises of the Museum through the main door, you will spot National awards, diplomas, and medals acquired by Shakir Ali with precise bio data of the professionals hanging on the walls. Shakir Ali was awarded several awards for his services to Pakistan. The following Awards are on display in the Museum:
⦁ The President of Pakistan gave the Pride of Performance Award in 1966.
⦁ the degrees and diplomas he acquired from Germany and Paris.
⦁ A certificate awarded from the Government of Bombay Art Examinations upon successfully passing the final examinations.
⦁ A medal of excellence (Tamgha-i-Imtiaz)
Multiple Portraits
Shakir Ali is immensely loved and respected by his students. His students have shown their love for their teacher by designing his portraits. There are two awe-inspiring portraits of Shakir Ali hanging in the main hallway of the Museum. Saeed Akhtar, Pakistan’s most celebrated and iconic painter, designed a vast monotone impressive portrait of Shakir Ali on his death anniversary to present his last respects to his friend and mentor. Accompanying this mesmerizing portrait is another masterpiece curated by Jamil Naqsh as a symbol of tribute to Shakir Ali. There is a vibe of adoration and affection rising from these portraits. Shakir Ali’s students became Art pioneers, and they produced groundbreaking masterpieces through his mentorship.
Personal Belongings
The Shakir Ali Lahore Museum is full of memorabilia as all the personal belongings of the veteran artist are preserved and appropriately displayed so the visitors can experience a glimpse into the artistic world. Many personal belongings of Shakir Ali are there, including his clothing, diaries, spectacles, ties, cutlery, furniture which he designed himself, and handicraft textiles. The sense of individuality of the artist emanates from his belongings.
Studio of Shakir Ali
The best part of the Museum is the Studio of Shakir Ali. When you enter the studio, you will transport to another world where you can see Shakir Ali sitting in the corner of the room, working at his drafting table. All the objects are preserved and placed in their original position, untouched for years.
Collection of Objects
The Museum is equipped with an extensive collection of objects of the time of Shakir Ali, reflecting the lifestyle of the veteran artist. The living area comprises several Art and Crafts items. The Museum preserved all the furniture in its original condition. The color of the furniture is black in contrast with the building. The country-style dining table displays a dinner set and a delicate antique tea set. Chairs with tall narrow backs are also there. Some spoons of Gandhara Art are also on display in the glass case. Also, the Museum holds a collection of letters of correspondence, passports, I.D. cards, official documents, and archived photographs of the iconic artist. The bedroom of Shakir Ali has a brilliant vibe of Art with two-bed sets covered with Sindhi-style bed sheets. There is a display of a collection of painterly calligraphy by Shakir Ali.
Beautiful Garden
A lush green garden in the Museum’s backyard gives a splendid view of the entire building. The Museum’s purpose is not limited to showcasing the life of Shakir Ali. It is also an artist’s center where several exhibitions, events, and social gatherings take place to extract and convey the talent of Artists. The Museum’s garden holds various workshops and social events to encourage artistic minds. The Museum plays a vital role by providing a platform for generations of young artists. P.N.C.A. organizes multiple programs as a source of opportunity, representation, and support for young minds with the determination and passion for doing something innovative.
Shakir Ali Museum Entry Ticket & Timings
The entrance into this artistic marvel is free, as Shakir Ali wanted his visitors to witness his artwork for free. The Museum is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all working days. Saturday and Sunday, the museum remains closed.
Location of Shakir Ali Museum Lahore
The splendid Shakir Ali Museum is located in New Tipu Block, Garden Town, Lahore. Shakir Ali Museum Lahore is one of the most unique and spectacular art museums that will take you into another world full of Art.
F.A.Q
Is it a good place for Students?
Shakir Ali Museum is a dream come true for Art loving people and students who are in search of witnessing complementary modern artistic skills. The Museum has a research library showcasing various books on Art sciences to benefit the researchers and students.
What is inside the Shakir Ali museum?
Fully equipped with many artworks, Shakir Ali Museum is a hub of Art and Culture. The inside of the Museum showcases various artifacts, including self-portraits, awe-inspiring paintings with a touch of cubism, personal belongings of Shakir Ali, a spacious library housing literature books, National Awards, and medals awarded to the veteran artist.
Conclusion
The idea behind Shakir Ali Museum Lahore is to unlock the coalescence of traditional and modern architecture so that the artist’s work can never fade away. If you want a glimpse into the iconic artist’s complicated and artistic world, then visit this Amazing Museum!