Nigaah recently talked to senior artist Wasi Haider on his art journey. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Becoming an artist.
I, Wasi Haider, was born in February 1958 and raised in Karachi. I grew up in a literary family. I was fond of becoming an artist as a way to express myself and make sense of the world around me. My education in civil drafting supported me in drawing and understanding different perspectives.

Biggest Artistic Influences.
My artistic influences are diverse and far-reaching. I draw inspiration from the works of Pakistani artists like Sadequain, Shakir Ali, and Jamil Naqsh, who paved the way for contemporary modern art in Pakistan. I'm also influenced by international artists like Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso, who explored the meaning of existence through their art.

Additionally, the vibrant colors and textures used in "Time and Space" and "Figurative" paintings are my strengths. I adorn my canvases with colorful faces. I believe that colours have a strong power of expression, and each colour has its individual psychology to communicate. As happenings of life have their own beauty and colours, I paint different shades of moods on my canvases.

I have also painted the poetry of Ghalib, Ahmed Faraz, Akhtar Raza Saleemi, and Salman Sarwat, which had a significant impact on my artistic vision.

Favorite medium.
My favorite medium is oil painting. I love the texture, the blending capabilities, and the rich colors that oil paints offer. There's something about the process of layering paint, waiting for it to dry, and then building upon it that resonates with me. Oil painting allows me to achieve a level of depth and luminosity that I find difficult to replicate with other mediums.

Finding inspiration.
Inspiration can strike at any moment. I'm drawn to the human experience, with all its complexities and emotions. I try to capture the essence of those feelings in my art.

Favorite time to create.
My favorite time to create is early morning, just after sunrise. There's something about the soft, golden light and the quietness of the morning that helps me focus and tap into my creative energy. The world feels fresh and full of possibilities, and I'm able to channel that energy into my art.

Importance of art in society.
Art has the power to transform society. It challenges our assumptions, sparks conversations, and inspires empathy. In a city like Karachi, where social and economic disparities are rampant, art has the ability to bridge gaps and bring people together.

Motivation to create.
My motivation to create comes from a deep desire to express myself honestly and authentically. I want my art to be a reflection of my experiences, my emotions, and my observations. When I'm able to tap into that creative energy, it's exhilarating and fulfilling. I feel like I'm doing what I was meant to do.

Strongest childhood memory.
One of my fondest childhood memories is spending time on the gate of my house and observing the world, which is limited according to my five senses.

Memorable responses to work.
I've been fortunate to have received positive feedback from art critics, collectors, and enthusiasts. One memorable response was from a viewer who told me that my painting had brought him to smile and pleasure. It was a powerful moment, knowing that my art had touched someone's heart.

Dream Project.
My dream project is to create a large-scale public installation that explores the complexities of Karachi's identity. I envision a multimedia installation that combines painting, sculpture, and light, and that reflects the city's rich cultural heritage and its resilience in the face of adversity.

Artists to be compared to.
If I had to choose three artists to be compared to, I would say Shakir Ali, Sadequain, and Jamil Naqsh. These artists are known for their bold, expressive, and emotionally charged works, which resonate with my own artistic vision. Like them, I strive to create art according to my limitations as a human being. I know I am holding an existence that leads and accelerates my thought process and emotions continuously. This is the primary reason I paint—and I will paint, and I will paint forever.

CAPTION
Oil on canvas, 20 x 30 inches
Oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches
Oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches
Oil on canvas, 20 x 30 inches
Oil on canvas, 20 x 30 inches
Oil on canvas, 20 x 30 inches