The cultural scene of Karachi cannot be separated from the legacy of Sadequain. Among his most famous contributions is the monumental ceiling mural at Frere Hall, Arz-o-Samawat (Earth and the Heavens). He began painting it in 1986 but passed before it was complete, leaving behind an unfinished piece.
Today, Frere Hall — the hub of Karachi’s cultural scene — itself feels like a part of his work, housing Galerie Sadequain so that his vision continues to reach future generations.
Sadequain honoured philosophers, scientists and thinkers at the State Bank of Pakistan’s “Treasures of Time”. This mural serves as a reminder of knowledge and the pursuit of ideas greater than us, right in the middle of Karachi. His art was never intended to remain hidden; he brought it into the public eye at establishments like Jinnah Hospital and others, shattering the notion that only the wealthy could afford it.
Karachi was Sadequain’s gallery. He left more than just art behind. His art is a crucial part of Karachi’s history and self-definition, existing not only on the walls but also in the pulse of the city.
Jasmine Lodhi
Karachi
