THE BRUSH & BEYOND: THE ARTISTIC JOURNEY OF DR. UMAIRA HUSSAIN KHAN

The author is a freelance writer who primarily focuses on sharing his military service experiences through his writing.

Written By: Lt Col Abrar Khan (Retd)
Freelance Writer | Pakistan
khanabrar30c@gmail.com

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Umaira Hussain Khan at the DHA Karachi Education Directorate in 2021. Dr. Khan was previously a faculty member at the esteemed DHA College for Women Phase VIII within the DHA Education System. However, her exceptional talent and expertise in art and literature led her to be offered a position at the Department of Visual Studies at the University of Karachi as an Assistant Professor aligning perfectly with her passion and mastery in the field.

In pursuit of her passion and her mother’s dream to attain a Ph.D. degree, Dr. Khan enrolled at the research centre of the University College of Art and Design, Punjab University Lahore, the same university where she completed her Master’s in Fine Arts. Swiftly completing her coursework for her Ph.D. with distinction, she embarked on a unique thesis project inspired by the ceiling of Gallery Sadequain at Frere Hall, Karachi, painted by the legendary artist, poet, and calligrapher Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi. This discovery became the foundation for her thesis, titled ‘Thematic and Stylistic Analysis of the Series of Paintings on the Ceiling of Gallery Sadequain,’ which later proved to be a treasure in its own right, particularly for art enthusiasts.

During her time at Punjab University, Dr. Umaira Hussain Khan had the privilege of being mentored by esteemed professors such as Dr. Khalid Mahmud, Dr. Mussarat Hassan, Dr. Naseem Akhtar, Dr. Murtaza Jaffrey, and Dr. Shaukat Mahmood, with Dr. Shahida Manzoor leading as her thesis supervisor. Dedicated to her research, Dr. Umaira engaged in extensive discussions with her supervisor, commuting frequently between Lahore and Karachi to complete her thesis. The guidance of her mentors played a pivotal role in enabling her to complete her thesis work in 2011, instilling within her a profound sense of confidence.

Bolstered by this newfound assurance, she fearlessly embraced the challenge of curating a captivating solo exhibition of pen drawings and oil paintings, titled “Resurrecting Sadequain” at the art gallery of prestigious Shakir Ali Museum in Lahore. The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Rahat Masood, Principal of UCAD. With her own distinctive style of painting, she tried to breathe a new life into Sadequain and resurrect the quality of his thoughts in form of art and poetry, considering that what Sadequain would have been producing, if he had been living in that time. She reproduced Sadequain’s stylistic features of drawings, while the subject matter was kept consistent with Sadequain’s social vision, but relevant to contemporary situation of that time. Her art fascinated the audience particularly captivating art enthusiasts. The exhibition garnered widespread acclaim, with her mentors standing at the forefront of those who admired her exceptional achievement.

Dr. Umaira exemplifies the essence of an artist who views the world as an expansive canvas, perceiving it from unique angles and painting it with their thoughts and imagination. With her creativity, keen observation, deep thinking, and unwavering passion, she possesses all the qualities of an exceptional artist.Subsequently, she succeeded in producing a remarkable book entitled ‘The Ceiling of Gallery Sadequain: An Iconographic Marvel,’ printed by La Topical in Lahore. Her notable contribution to the realms of art and literatures received widespread national and international recognition and has been widely discussed by prominent figures in the field. It is worth mentioning that this book, stemming from her ground-breaking Ph.D. thesis, stands as a pioneering work on the subject in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the ceiling of Gallery Sadequain at Frere Hall in Karachi.

In 2023, Dr. Umaira achieved significant success as an artist with the launch of her book at Frere Hall, where Governor Sindh, Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori honoured the event as the Chief Guest. The book garnered tremendous acclaim within the art community, leading to a subsequent event in London, UK, under the patronage of the Faiz Cultural Foundation UK and Eilaf Media UK. In February 2024, the Pakistani American Association of Greater Houston (PAGH), in collaboration with the International Academy of Letters (IAL) and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Houston, organized a commemorative event to honour the death anniversary of the Sadequain and to showcase Dr. Umaira Hussain Khan’s book. The beautifully arranged function was meticulously organised by Mr. Ghazanfar Hashmi, the President of the IAL, and Mr. Siraj Narsi, the Director of Education at PAGH. This event was a captivating celebration of art and culture, attracting a diverse audience of art enthusiasts from across Houston.

Originally from Lahore, Dr. Umaira Hussain Khan was born into an educated family. After her marriage, she pursued a Master in Fine Art and a Ph.D. in Art and Design. She credits her father, Sheikh Ikram-ud-Din, her mother, Tasnim Firdaus, and especially her husband, Muhammad Hussain Khan, for their support and cooperation throughout her studies.

Her innate talent and aptitude for drawing and art became apparent during her early education in Bahawalnagar, where she effortlessly produced stunning sketches even as a child. As she progressed through her school years, she honed her skills in brushwork, ultimately achieving mastery in this particular technique. Dr. Khan graduated from Bahawalpur, where her artistic skills were refined to a professional level. Despite relocating to different military cantonments due to her husband’s postings in the Pakistan Army, she managed to keep her passion for art alive.

Despite juggling multiple roles as a working professional, a passionate artist, and a devoted mother, Dr. Khan successfully maintained a harmonious balance in her life. As a caring and nurturing mother, she prioritized her children’s education from their early years. Fortunately, she is blessed with a remarkable family, which includes her daughter, Ramsha Khan, and her two sons, Tuaha Khan and Areeb Khan. Although Dr. Khan and her spouse were by no means involved in the field of Engineering, it is interesting to note that none of their children followed in their footsteps. Instead, all three children pursued careers in Mechanical Engineering in the United States. Tragedy struck Dr. Umaira’s life when her husband, Major ® Hussain Khan, passed away in 2018. Despite this, she faced all challenges head-on, displaying strength and resilience.

However, Dr. Umaira’s artistic talents extend beyond brushstrokes. She is also a seasoned scholar, an educationist with three decades of experience in the field of education, and a dedicated homemaker. Her versatility has made her an iconic figure in various domains, nationally and internationally. She actively participates in national and international exhibitions and has presented her research papers at international conferences. Furthermore, she has successfully published her papers in reputable international research journals, with some of her notable works focusing exclusively on Sadequain and his art.

Her exquisite residence in DHA Karachi is a testament to her refined taste and aesthetic sensibilities. A carefully curated piece of artwork holds a special place in her exquisitely designed interior. An exquisite pen artwork, inspired by the legendary Sadequain, takes centre stage in her drawing room. Only a select few artists possess such mastery over this medium, making it truly unique. Moreover, a captivating, large-sized painting embellished with vibrant brush and knife strokes adorns the dining room too, captivating guests and enchanting their dining experience.

Dr. Umaira is an extraordinary woman who embodies humility and radiates a warm smile that never fails to brighten any room. Her down-to-earth nature and composed demeanour make her a magnet for people, drawing them into her expansive social circle. She genuinely listens to others, offering support and guidance whenever required. Her wisdom and understanding create an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their joys and sorrows, knowing that they will be met with empathy and understanding.

Dr. Umaira’s exceptional qualities as a good human being, combined with her kind heart and wide-reaching social circle, make her a beacon of positivity and inspiration for those fortunate enough to know her. Her genuine care for others, unwavering compassion, and commitment to fostering meaningful connections exemplify the true essence of her character.

Before I conclude my remarks about Dr. Umaira Hussain Khan, I would like to highlight another remarkable quality she possesses. Apart from being a passionate artist, a scholar, and an educationist, she also possesses exceptional culinary skills. The fond memories of the delightful dishes she expertly prepared for my family and me during a gracious dinner hosted by her still resonate with us. Her multifaceted talents continue to inspire and impress those fortunate enough to experience her hospitality. I wholeheartedly wish Dr. Umaira Hussain Khan a wonderful and fulfilling artistic journey ahead.