Commendable feat: Watercolour artist wins prestigious award

Ali Sajid is known for portraying historical architecture in his work

PESHAWAR: Ali Sajid, a watercolour artist, has won the Daniel Smith Award during the Maxi painting contest in Italy. A large number of artists from across the world participated in the competition. Artists were expected to produce artwork on the spot during the contest.

“Watercolour artists from around the world have participated in the contest,” Sajid told The Express Tribune.

Sajid is renowned artist from Peshawar. He is known for portraying historical architecture in his work. Through his canvas, he aims to preserve valuable structures by compelling the relevant authorities to take notice.

According to the artist, the canvas has a purpose beyond bearing the burden of his passion and creativity. The 35-year-old watercolourist, who still lives in Peshawar, has set up his own canvas centre right in front of an old building in a busy market area of city.



“We are happy that people have recognised our art and this will encourage us to excel,” Sajid said.

There is a limited demand for art in the province and most artists do not gain appreciation. As a result, they have fewer opportunities to promote their work. This has forced most artists to give up on pursuing their creative instinct.

According to Sajid, international competitions have given artists an opportunity to discuss their work with like-minded people across the world.

He said one of his watercolour paintings on the historical structure situated in Peshawar cantonment, has also been featured in a book on watercolorists of the world by the International Watercolor Society.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2016.