The vault: Omar-Ul Haq

The founder and curator at Treasure Trove unlocks his vault to showcase his breathtaking art collection

How and when did your interest in art develop?

I’ve always been attracted to art. I took a few courses in Art History during my undergraduate studies at Clark University and started collecting art shortly after graduating. I frequently visited art galleries in all the cities I lived in: Boston, Washington DC, London and Islamabad. However it wasn’t until a few years ago, after I moved to Dubai, that I realised I could make a contribution to the local art scene there. My close friends who took a leap of faith when they gave up stable jobs to pursue their passions also motivated me. I took a major risk giving up an exciting, lucrative job at a top advertising firm to pursue my passion — and so far it has been an amazing journey.

What are your favourite works of art?

Personally, my favourite works of art include a Saeed Akhter, Komail Aijazuddin and Scheherazade Junejo, which I stare at while working from my living room in Dubai every single day of the week. Recently, I have also become obsessed with Ifran Yavru (from Turkey) and Houma Sayed (from Syria). Their work is phenomenal.



Where did you get them?

Every piece has a story, but let’s just say that I have been lucky enough to get each and every piece directly from the artist.

Is there any artwork you are emotionally attached to and why?

My grandfather, General Rahimuddin Khan had tea with the legendary Gulgee one morning. The next day, Gulgee returned unannounced and surprised my grandfather with a stunning portrait he had made of him. To say that I am emotionally attached to that piece would be an understatement.

Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?

I’m fascinated with African and Oriental art. African art especially, but because of my limited travel to Africa and the Far East, I haven’t been able to immerse myself in the role art plays in their social fabric. I would like to be able to study art from other such continents more closely and acquire it for my clients. Another priority is reaching out to emerging artists from our art schools. I’ve had a great experience working with some previously unknown artists and would like to do more of that.