Anna Molka Ahmed (1917-1994), one of the pioneers of women artists at the time of independence of Pakistan, was a professor of fine arts at the University of the Punjab in Lahore, where later she established the department of fine arts in 1940.

Her painting ‘Chhota Dergai’ also known as ‘The Punjab landscape’, (1955-60), oil on canvas, 48 inches x 72 inches, is the largest outdoor landscape that she painted with almost a fiery fervour. As a consequence of diverse experiences with different mediums, her painting reflects three-dimensional characteristics, Depicting harvesting farmers, frivolous children, traditional clay adobes and the setting sun — the painting exudes an almost true sensation of the environment. Ahmed’s customary impasto strokes and the spontaneous knife application give her paintings their unique character and a signatory distinction. The painting is displayed at the Pakistan National Council of Arts. — M.S.K

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 21st, 2014