There is a lot of untapped talent in our country, so much so that it’s almost impossible to recognize it all. Musicians, writers, actors and artists must all strive to get the recognition they deserve. They must prove themselves with their work and god knows that can be difficult in this cut throat society. However there are still some artists willing to put themselves out there, to endure the criticism and strive for appreciation…. hiding behind images, and creating with colours what cannot be said in words… in a world of their own; mystical and profound.

Nadeem A Khan is just such an artist. A graduate from Karachi School of art, he believes art comes to him naturally. His work shows feelings, and the detail in each painting shows the passion and effort put into each one. Nadeem has sold many of his paintings through joint exhibitions in art galleries. His latest painting has been put up in Zanaine and He is the winner of numerous art competitions.

However most families are not very supportive of their children picking such a risky field as a profession, so how did yours allow you to get into it?

“My family understood that art was my only passion, which is why they encouraged me into this field. Luckily, my older brother knew a little about commercial art and advised me to approach it professionally.

Nadeem has been working as a graphic designer as well as creating paintings on the side for twenty five years now. But graphic designing and painting are a world apart, so what made you choose to get into design?

I first got a job as a designer at the Hashmi can company to gain some experience. After that I switched to advertisement and have been content with it. Painting has always been my passion but you cannot depend on it solely for your bread and butter. I needed something to fall back on which is why I chose to design.

Art comes in so many forms, what is your style of work?

I’ve tried everything from sketching portraits to water colours, from sculpturing to colliguriaphy, but I honestly prefer oil paint over everything else. That’s what I work with mostly.

What inspires you?

Nature inspires me the most. I have really enjoyed making landscapes and sketching portraits in the past.

Do you feel you have to change your style of work with time to suit the new generation?

Yes, I do feel that. A lot of my work is abstract now. I have an entire series of abstract flowers. I believe everything must modernize and change through time, and that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing.

Looking at his paintings one notices the usage of vibrant colours, and the subjects mainly arab and old.. why is that?

I love painting details.. I’m extremely inspired by the people of Kalash as well as arab subjects. I love painting the details of their jewellery as well as clothes. I have entire series inspired by them.

Do you always work in the format of series?

Well, it all depends on your mindset. Sometimes I’m in the mood and can paint about 15-20 paintings of the same subject or topic. But then I’ll have to take a break because of work, and by the time I come back, my mood would be completely different.

There are a lot of renowned artists in Pakistan as well as others abroad, who would you say you are inspired by the most?

I respect Jamil Naqsh, Saadqin and Guljees work the most. But the artist I am most inspired by is Vincent Van Gogh. If you look at my work you will see a glimpse of his work in mine. I’ve studied his paintings for hours, his choices of colours, how he places each stroke, everything.

A lot of artist these days are copying the style of work of other artists, where do you stand on that?

There is always some similarity of someone else work in yours. Some people choose to follow certain artists to present the same type of work, but I don’t do that. I do take inspiration from other artists to create something new.

Do you ever plan on giving up design to concentrate solely on your paintings?

Yes, I want to be so well respected as an artist, that I don’t need another job to support me. I want to concentrate solely on my paintings, that is my aim.