
Farrukh Shahab
Farrukh Shahab is a distinguished Pakistani visual artist renowned for his expressive and figurative paintings. Based in Karachi, he has been an active practitioner for over three decades, contributing significantly to the contemporary art scene.
Early Life and Education
Farrukh Shahab began his artistic journey with a focus on portraiture. In 1990, he was awarded a Gold Medal at the Sindh Artist’s Exhibition, and in 1995, he received top honours at the Quaid-i-Azam Portrait Exhibition held in Karachi. Seeking to broaden his artistic horizons, he visited Paris and London, where he explored museums and engaged with fellow artists. Subsequently, he joined the Art Students League in New York, where his work was showcased at the Montague Gallery in Soho .
Artistic Evolution
Over the years, Shahab's work has evolved to encompass a diverse range of styles, including abstraction, mixed media, and photography. He draws inspiration from everyday life, politics, and the human condition. His medium of choice includes oil and acrylic on canvas, wood panels, and found objects .
A notable series in his portfolio is Valley of the Quest, which features oil, acrylic, pastel, and lapis dust on teakwood. This series exemplifies his innovative approach to materiality and composition .
Exhibitions and Recognition
Shahab has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally. His exhibitions include Avian Humanoids, Retrospectively Yours, and Pyaar Kahani. These exhibitions have been hosted by prominent galleries such as ArtCiti, O Art Space, and Tanzara Gallery .
Academic and Curatorial Roles
In addition to his artistic practice, Shahab is actively involved in arts education and curation. He serves as a visiting lecturer at the Arts Council Institute of Arts and Culture (ACIAC) and holds the position of Chairman of the Fine Arts Committee at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi .
Philosophy and Approach
Shahab's artistic philosophy transcends conventional labels. He believes that art should not be confined to specific genres, as it speaks a universal language of creativity. His work reflects a holistic and organic approach to art-making, emphasizing the importance of the creative process over categorization .
Through his diverse body of work and contributions to the art community, Farrukh Shahab continues to inspire and influence the landscape of contemporary Pakistani art.