Ustad Allah Bux

Ustad Allah Bakhsh (1895–1978) was one of the pioneering masters of modern painting in Pakistan, renowned for his poetic depictions of Punjabi rural life, folklore, and mythology. Born in Wazirabad, Punjab, he began his artistic journey at a young age, apprenticing under local signboard painters before receiving informal training from Ustad Abdullah, a skilled miniaturist. Although he never attended a formal art institution, Allah Bakhsh developed a distinctive visual language that combined the technical precision of miniature painting with the realism and perspective of Western art. His works often portrayed pastoral landscapes, village scenes, and romantic folktales such as Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahiwal, capturing the emotional essence and cultural spirit of Punjab. Through a masterful use of light, color, and composition, Allah Bakhsh brought to life the harmony between human beings and nature, creating paintings that exude serenity and lyrical beauty. His artistic philosophy celebrated simplicity and sincerity, rooted in the land and people he observed with deep affection. Over the decades, he exhibited widely and gained acclaim across India and later Pakistan, earning the Pride of Performance Award in 1963 for his remarkable contribution to the visual arts. Ustad Allah Bakhsh passed away in Lahore on October 18, 1978, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped Pakistani art. His works remain timeless tributes to the cultural and emotional landscape of Punjab and continue to inspire generations of artists for their craftsmanship, depth, and devotion to the beauty of everyday life.