Ali blends tradition with modern in calligraph art

LAHORE - Innate passion for calligraphy was perhaps not enough for calligraph artist Asghar Ali. There was craze to excel in the centuries old art of the masters. But in the one-decade quest Ali has now achieved the milestone of getting recognition as an innovative artist in the realm of the world of art. His paintings now adorn the halls of top personalities and public buildings including the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. The inner solace and harmony that comes with achievement is visible in his calligraph art compositions.  

Ali remained official naqqash (calligraphy and designing) at Masjid-e-Nabwi for seven years and did calligraphic designing at Madina-al-Munawara for eight years. His love for calligraphy grew when he worked there under the guidance of master calligrapher Shafiquzaman. He returned in 1998 and devoted himself solely to excelling in calligraph art. It is now 16 years since he took up painting landscapes and calligraphy. He has to his credit participation in the group shows across the world and also solo shows at top galleries across the country.

Ali’s compositions on canvas are a blend of the traditional and contemporary art.