Acclaimed ceramist Sheherezade Alam passes away

The artist was 74 years old

Internationally renowned Pakistani ceramist Sheherezade Alam has passed away at the age of 74. The news of her death was confirmed by the Alhamra Arts Centre in Lahore. The organisation tweeted out a picture of the artist, sending out their condolences to the bereaved friends and family members. The cause of death is yet to be shared.

Sheherezade Alam (1948 - 2022) was an internationally renowned Pakistani ceramist.#shehrezadealam #ceremist #rip #Alhamra #LAC #LahoreArtsCouncil pic.twitter.com/6JV6yKGVVw

— Alhamra Art Centre (@LACOfficialPK) May 18, 2022

Sheherezade was a graduate of the National College of Arts in Lahore, going on to become an artist-in-residence at Yale. She was a beloved teacher, having taught at home in NCA, as well as in Turkey at Bilkent University in the city of Ankara.

Sheherezade, born in 1948, was a master of her craft, sharing about her interest in and love for the medium in 2014, “Clay teaches you. It teaches you to take the blows with joys. You need to be attentive. If you do a little and leave it, the clay will abandon you.”

She married fellow artist Zahoor ul Akhlaq in 1971. She moved to Canada following the tragic murder of her husband and their daughter, dancer Jahan Ara, in 1999. Sheherezade returned to Pakistan in 2007, going on to set up the Jahan e Jahanara Centre for Traditional Arts for Children in memory of her daughter. 

Several members of the artistic community mourned the loss of the acclaimed ceramist and teacher. 

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sheherezade Alam, a significant Pakistani art educator and ceramist.

Images: CAP Archives#SheherezadeAlam pic.twitter.com/DNDJPwApCX

— The Citizens Archive of Pakistan (@citizensarchive) May 18, 2022

So sad to bid farewell to the warmth, love and pure radiance that was Sheherezade Alam. Who touched the lives of all she met.

Go gently and in peace. ♥️ https://t.co/GzEUfRwBmC pic.twitter.com/Q22miNPGGY

— Selina Rashid Khan (@selinarashid) May 18, 2022

Sheherezade Alam, celebrated ceramist,a fighter, the one with a sunshine smile and positive energy is no more. The tragedies she had in her life would have shattered many of us, but not her, she was so full of life. Rest in Peace beautiful soul. pic.twitter.com/1HkgKbi5Wg

— FAUZIA MINALLAH (@fauziaminallah) May 18, 2022

Sheherezade Alam is an icon and will remain forever in my heart. A true Pakistani visionary and artist who has left her mark in the world of ceramics.

May she happily reunite with her daughter Jahanara, and husband, Zahoor ul Akhlaq, in the heavens.

— Kanza Javed (@KanzaJaved) May 18, 2022