Sadequain is recognized as one of the most internationally well-known artists from Pakistan. This portrait of Ali Imam was done by the artist as he lay in his hospital bed. Jaffer was visiting Sadequain as he had been admitted due to serious liver damage. While they were chatting, Sadequain was inspired and created this sketch portrait of Ali Imam within three to four minutes, according to Jaffer.
The Sadequain Art Gallery, also known as Galerie Sadequain, was opened permanently to the public in 2011. It is named after the famous Pakistani artist Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi and houses his works, including a ceiling mural begun in 1980s and dedicated to the citizens of Karachi, with one mural remaining incomplete after his death in 1987. The mural on the ceiling of the Frere Hall, Karachi displays in bold, the words, Arz-o-Samawat (Earth and the Heavens) and bears a historical significance, since it represents the last piece of work by Sadequain.
The gallery is now directly administered by the Karachi Municipal Corporation, and hosts several festivals.
Sadequain Art Gallery is filled with some mind blowing handmade paintings it is hard to tell you through words, absolute cream collection. give a look at the Front Wall / 2nd Left Painting, Its a painting of cityscape at night
Author: Umaira Hussain Khan also written a book on the celling of Galerie Sadequain where historical mural of sadequain is present. The content of this book explores the thematic and stylistic aspects of Sadequain’s mural paintings that adorn the ceiling and cornices of the main hall on upper story of Frere Hall Karachi, called Gallery Sadequain. The analysis of thematic and stylistic aspects of these paintings both individually and collectively furnish a new understanding of Sadequain’s art. The thematic analysis suggests that Sadequain has chronologically narrated the problems underlying the contemporary human condition in a thoroughly comprehensible visual imagery and concluded his work by suggesting a solution for human misery. The solution he suggested is a combination of knowledge and practice, which is certainly a remarkable insight.
Frere Hall:
Frere Hall is situated in the Civil Lines neighborhood of Saddar Town, located in the central area of Karachi and is home to several consulates. The hall is positioned between Fatima Jinnah Road (formerly Bonus Road) and Abdullah Haroon Road (formerly Victoria Road), and it is adjacent to the colonial-era Sind Club.
It is one of the most historical buildings in Karachi. Frere Hall, designed by Henry Saint Clair Wilkins, was originally intended to serve as the town hall of Karachi. Construction began in August 1863 and was completed by October 1865. The building was renamed in honor of Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere following his death in 1884.
Frere was a British administrator known for promoting economic development in Sindh and making Sindhi the language of administration in Sindh.
Frere Hall’s ceilings are adorned with mural paintings by renowned Pakistani artist Sadequain, including a series of murals forming the “Galerie Sadequain.” The building is home to the Liaquat National Library, which has a collection of over 70,000 books, including rare and hand-written manuscripts.
The hall is also a popular venue for cultural events and performances, with a large central hall that can be used for concerts, exhibitions, and political rallies. The gardens surrounding the building host various events, such as book fairs, art exhibitions, and food festivals, and are a popular destination for outdoor concerts and performances.
In recent years, Frere Hall has undergone extensive restoration work. The building was in a state of disrepair, and the gardens were in need of maintenance. The restoration work has been carried out by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and the Sindh Cultural Heritage Department.
The restoration work has included the repair and restoration of the building’s roof, walls, and floors. The gardens have also been restored, and new trees and flowers have been planted. The aim of the restoration work is to preserve the historic building.
