Born in Peshawer 1926,Gulgee acquired his training as an engineer in the US,at the Columbia University and then at Harvard.His first exhibition was held in 1950.To recognise his amazing talent and services with the Pride of Performance award,Sitara-e-Imtiaz (twice) and Hilala-e-Imtiaz.
Gulgee was a gifted and a naturalistic potrait painter but was perhaps best known for his abstract work,which is inspired by Islamic calligraphy and by the action painting movement of the 1950`s and 1960`s.He was also known for using materials such as mirror glass and gold or silver leaf in his oil paintings.Gulgee was walso famous for his bronze sculptures and bronze pieces that were calligraphic in form and inspiration and sometimes based on specific verses of the Holy Quran.He also helped design the Warsak Dam as a special favour to the Government of Pakistan.His acheivements and acomplishment are far too many to be cited,His paintings were bright and full of life but the immense sensitivity and intense feelings were recognisable in most of his art work which was very free yet considered and well thought out.He brought a whole new feel with his paintings which presented life in it`s self.Gulgee rendered his great services with full devotion to the art field bringing out the best in his work which was an inspiration to many.
Many of his works are placed in the Faisal Mosque Islamabad,He received many awards in Saudi Arabia,Japan and France.Keeping in mind the high level of demand for his work and art gallery was built for Gulgee in Clifton Karachi.Ismail Gulgee was this country`s most celebrated and renowned artist,He borught Pakistan into the lime light of global art.He was an inspiration for many and to all the aspirants in the field of art.
The Brutal murder of Gulgee has shocked the entire nation,Murder of such an inspiring and uncontroversial figure has sent shock waves around the globe..He may have died but has left behind a commanding legacy which will be an inspiration for the generations to come.May God have mercy on his soul,his wife and the maid who died along with hime on that fateful night.Amen,
Ammad Raja
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
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