Abdur Rahman Chughtai: ‘The Defensive Sword’

An artist's endeavour to highlight the protective nature of soldier's weapons.

LAHORE: “Peace and protection always flourish under the shadow of a sword” said Arif Rahman Chugtai, the son of the legendary artist Abdur Rahman Chughtai and the organiser of the exhibition titled ‘The Defensive Sword’.

“Artists never advocate war, they advocate peace and harmony. Spreading the message of peace and harmony is the message of Allah and artists throughout the ages have understood this well,” he added.

The exhibition organised at the Chughtai Museum to mark its 36th anniversary will continue for the next three months. It aims to emphasise the protective nature of the sword and its role in maintaining peace.

The exhibition featured paintings of Mughal emperors and Islamic caliphs among other historical figures and was well received by critics and art enthusiasts. “The perfection of the lines and the fusion of different shades move you. His beautiful imagination that he so perfectly transferred onto the canvas never ceases to amaze me,” said Tariq Mehmood.

Nahid Malik said she found Chughtai’s paintings of Caliph Haroon Al Rasheed the best. “He has used many shades of green to represent the Caliphs personality. His use of different colours is remarkable,” said Malik.

Sundus Chaudhry, another art enthusiast present at the event, was of the opinion that Chughtai’s work was unmatched. She said that many people had tried to copy his work but had failed.

“You begin to appreciate the brilliance of his work within seconds of laying your eyes on it.”

The exhibition also displayed Abdur Rahman Chughtai’s unfinished work that he signed and gave to people as souvenirs, as well as the famous painting titled will and power that was chosen to become a national postage stamp. Chughtai was considered one of the best artists of the Sub-continent.

His admirers include Allama Iqbal, Pablo Picasso and Queen Elizabeth II.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2011.