Acclaimed Pakistani painter Tassaduq Sohail passes away at 87

KARACHI: Acclaimed Pakistani painter and short story writer Tassaduq Sohail passed away in Karachi at the age of 87.

On September 19, the ailing artist was brought from Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, to Civil Hospital, Karachi, and admitted to the intensive care unit. 

Biography

Tassaduq Sohail is not just an artist but a dreamer and storyteller.

Born on October 30, 1930, Sohail is known for his love for felines, pigeons and women.

The obsessive artist was born in Jalandhar, his family migrated to Lahore and then shifted to Karachi in 1952. Soon, his talent for narrating tales made him popular in the literary circles in the port city.

In Karachi, he also penned down his first short story, which was written under the guise of a letter, ridiculing his aunt’s interference in his personal affairs.

In 1961, the reclusive artist shifted to London and began pursuing painting to win female friends. However, with time painting became his passion and he joined St Martin School of Art.

His first exhibition was held in London in 1978, which began a journey of countless exhibitions. He spent 40 years in London and eventually shifted to Karachi.

The chronic bachelor is said to have taken inspiration from Picasso, van Goth, Ustad Allah Buksh, Colin David, Amrita Shergill and Sadequain.