ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Post has issued a set of four postage stamps to commemorate the 96th birth anniversary of legendary artist Sadequain.
A ceremony was held at the Sadequain Gallery situated at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad on June 30, in which Pakistan Post Director General Squadron Leader (retd) Maqsood Ahmed stated that the commemorative stamps measuring 280 x 40 mm reflected a shared commitment of preserving and celebrating Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage.
The stamps now qualify for Guinness Book of World Records as the largest stamps of the World, surpassing the record previously held by a stamp of Romania He added that the Pakistan Post had also issued a complimentary souvenir sheet, which was the most beautiful and comprehensive souvenir sheet issued by the Pakistan Post in its 80 years history. He explained that the Pakistan Post normally issued a one-page information leaflet of the commemorative stamps, but in this case, a 26-page booklet had been issued that provided insightful information on Sadequain.
The event was told that Sadequain occupied a singular place in Pakistan’s cultural history. Through his visionary paintings, monumental murals, revolutionary calligraphy and poetic expression, he established an artistic language that continued to inspire scholars, artists and art lovers around the world.
His works are housed in museums, public institutions, embassies, universities, and private collections across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and Australia, reflecting the truly international reach of his genius.
International recognition of Sadequain’s accomplishments came during his lifetime. His modern paintings attracted widespread acclaim in Europe, where the distinguished French newspaper La Figaro drew comparisons between Sadequain and the legendary Pablo Picasso, acknowledging the originality, intellectual depth and expressive power of his artistic vision. Such recognition from one of Europe’s leading cultural publications affirmed that Pakistan had produced an artist whose achievements stood comfortably alongside the greatest masters of modern art.
Equally remarkable are Sadequain’s monumental murals, which remain among the finest examples of public art ever created in Pakistan. Executed on an unprecedented scale, these masterpieces transformed public spaces into enduring monuments of creativity and intellectual thought. Their sweeping compositions, philosophical themes, and technical brilliance continue to captivate viewers even decades after their creation. These murals are not merely decorative works but cultural landmarks that embody the aspirations, history, and artistic excellence of the nation.
Sadequain also revolutionized the art of Islamic calligraphy. Breaking away from conventional approaches while preserving the spiritual essence of the classical tradition, he infused Arabic script with dynamic movement, expressive forms, and profound symbolism. His pioneering innovations were widely acknowledged as ushering in a renaissance of calligraphic art, inspiring generations of contemporary calligraphers and redefining the possibilities of this ancient artistic tradition.
