Imran Ahmad is a Lahore-based artist originally from Quetta, Balochistan. He completed his degree in Fine Arts from the University of Balochistan in 2015. After graduating, he began his career as a commercial signboard painter. Seeking to refine his skills, he moved to Lahore, where he pursued an M.A. (Hons.) in Visual Arts from the National College of Arts, Lahore, graduating in 2021. Since then, he has participated in numerous national exhibitions and conducted workshops on traditional Islamic calligraphy.

Art Statement

Imran Ahmad’s work is centred around the theme of language as a crucial element of national and personal identity. He believes that language is a symbol of social empowerment and plays an essential role in connecting individuals to their cultural roots. In countries like Pakistan, with its rich linguistic diversity, language is not only a medium of communication but also a marker of regional and cultural identity.

However, Imran raises concern over the diminishing use of regional languages in Pakistan. He observes that Urdu, the national language, has overshadowed many regional languages, some of which are endangered. Furthermore, he points out that Urdu itself is facing the same threat, as English becomes more dominant in various sectors, such as education, media, and social status.

Language and Identity

Imran explores the idea that languages are at risk of extinction when speakers shift to more prestigious languages in pursuit of social or economic advancement. This phenomenon is not limited to spoken languages but also affects the written form of language, including fonts. Imran draws attention to the significance of Lahore Nastaliq, Pakistan's national font, used in textbooks and official documents, as an important symbol of national identity.

Medium and Process

Imran’s artwork focuses on the recognition and preservation of language. He uses clay to form words, emphasizing the importance of the process in his work. The choice of clay and the intricate process of integrating words into his pieces are symbolic of the way languages, rich in history, have been cultivated and nurtured for centuries but are now at risk of being neglected or lost.

Through his art, Imran seeks to remind viewers of the need to preserve their linguistic and cultural heritage before it fades into oblivion.