During a first-ever sale devoted entirely to ‘Art of Pakistan’ this year at Bonhams in London, Sadequain’s “Crucifixion” (1968), fetched a record breaking 118,750 pounds (around 16 million Pakistani rupees). Sold in collaboration with Seemah Niaz of Unicorn Gallery to a mysterious bidder, the work came from the collection of Rukhsana and Ahmed Maqsood Hamidi.

Belonging to the artist’s Crucifixion Series this painting is cast in the upright cactus structure. Bristling with life in spite of a hostile environment, the cactus is Sadequain’s most widely known symbol of resistance and resilience in his crusade against hypocrisy, corruption and injustice. Painted in somber shades of grey, the writhing apparition imprisoned in a cactus configuration, is a depiction of intense torment and suffering. Technically conforming to the artist’s treatment of his mystic figurations, the restless — barely alive — febrile figure is an illustration of soul-baring lamentation — as if protesting till one’s last breath.

Today as the world roils in the grip of extremism Sadequain’s art is as much of the times (if not more) than it was in the ’60s. His thematic stance of Sufism and Malamat (condemnation) is being viewed through contemporary lens by new audiences. Already acknowledged and celebrated at home, his art philosophy is generating interest in audiences abroad as the human conflicts he paints have universal and timeless appeal.

Commenting on the significance of the current auction, Tahmina Ghaffar, Bonhams’ Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art specialist says: “Bonhams has been a proud supporter of Pakistani art for a number of years, and this auction is in direct response to the increasing demand from collectors. Long considered secondary, perhaps to other regional markets, the art of Pakistan stands independently as an art market of great importance globally.”

Published in Dawn, EOS, June 11th, 2017