Ustad Allah Bakhsh

Ustad Allah Bakhsh

stad Allah Bakhsh (1895–1978) was a self-taught pioneer of modern landscape and figurative painting in Pakistan. Rooted in the traditional Mughal miniature style, he learned the art of painting under Ustad Abdullah in Lahore. His early works, influenced by Western realism, displayed a developing grasp of perspective and proportion. Over time, Allah Bakhsh evolved his style into something uniquely his own, capturing the essence of Punjab’s rural life and folklore in vibrant, imaginative scenes. Allah Bakhsh’s paintings drew from the rich cultural heritage of the region, depicting timeless folktales like Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahiwal. His landscapes of the Punjab plains, often infused with an emotional connection to his homeland, reveal an acute sense of compositional harmony. His famous painting Talism-i-Hoshruba, based on Persian epic literature, is considered one of his greatest achievements. Although Ustad Allah Bakhsh did not belong to any particular art movement, his work laid the foundation for future generations of Pakistani artists. His eye for color and form, combined with his love for the dramatic and theatrical, made him a legendary figure in the realm of South Asian art. Inked is honored to have played a part in archiving some of his masterpieces, preserving the legacy of one of Pakistan's most cherished painters.