Born in 1948, Shahid Jalal emerged as a luminary in the world of art, defying conventional norms and embarking on an extraordinary journey from corporate life to artistic mastery. While he lacked formal art qualifications from any institution, Jalal’s innate talent and relentless dedication propelled him into the realm of creativity with unparalleled vigour.
My own acquaintance with Shahid Jalal blossomed during our shared time as students at the esteemed National College of Arts (NCA). Our conversations in the vibrant atmosphere of the NCA café often revolved around art, philosophy, and the essence of creative expression. Despite our diverse paths thereafter, our bond over shared passion for art endured. We discuss films and our loving teacher Khalid Iqbal after school at Alhamra Art Council, learning art and drawing. In fact, Shahid Jalal was nephew and son-in-law of great short story writer Manto. His knowledge on fiction help me to write my own short stories and films.
Jalal’s artistic oeuvre bore the hallmark of meticulous craftsmanship and profound insight into the human condition. His distinct style, characterized by thick impasto brush strokes and a masterful manipulation of light and shadow, breathed life into his landscapes, inviting viewers into a realm where nature’s splendour intertwined with the artist’s introspective gaze.
The exhibition titled “Memories of Japan” stands testament to Jalal’s profound connection with the natural world and his ability to translate his experiences into captivating visual narratives. Through a series of 25 paintings inspired by his sojourn in Japan, Jalal encapsulated the essence of his travels, infusing each canvas with vibrant hues and intricate detailing. Serving as a conduit for his artistic expression and a platform for his creative vision to flourish. His close association with Professor Emeritus Khalid Iqbal, whom Jalal revered as a mentor, underscored his commitment to artistic excellence and lifelong learning.
What sets Jalal apart is not merely his technical prowess but his audacious spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft. His decision to transition from a corporate executive to a professional artist at the age of fifty exemplifies his courage to defy societal norms and embrace his true calling with unbridled passion. Central to Jalal’s artistic ethos was a profound reverence for nature’s beauty, mirrored in his meticulous renderings of amaranthaceous flowers, cascading waterfalls, and serene landscapes. Each brushstroke, imbued with emotive frequencies of mark-making, served as a testament to Jalal’s deep-seated reverence for life’s ephemeral beauty.
As a fellow artist, filmmaker and writer of Pakistani origin based in New York, I am humbled by Shahid Jalal’s enduring legacy and inspired by his indomitable spirit. His paintings transcend cultural boundaries, offering viewers a glimpse into the soul of an artist whose canvas became a mirror reflecting the tapestry of life itself.
In Shahid Jalal’s art, we find not only a celebration of nature’s splendour but a poignant reminder of the enduring power of creativity to transcend barriers and illuminate the human spirit. As we honour his memory and celebrate his contributions to the world of art, let us continue to draw inspiration from his timeless wisdom and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of beauty and truth.