Paintings From Pakistan Red Light Area
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PART II: PORTRAITS PAINTED IN PAKISTAN'S RED LIGHT AREA
….And so you walk down one of the alleys in the Red Light Area, with muffled dusty steps, till you reach a restaurant such as no other you’ve seen. Situated on the roof top of a rickety four story building, it’s the meeting point for various patrons of art, tourists, foreigners and Pakistani elite.The food smells warm and tempting, the flute player plays his sad melody, and the laughter of people rises as they sit with the inner walled city at their feet, like kings in a moment of forgetfulness.
From up above, the world of darkness below sinks to a miniature version of itself, diminished in it’s misery and size. On one side, brothels come to life under the falling cloak of night; on the other, devout heads kneel in prayer at the Emperor’s mosque. The contrast leaves you stunned into silence.
This ancient building or ‘haveli’ is home to an artist who has given the dancers and prostitutes of Diamond Market recognition denied to them in real life. Iqbal Hussain, the son of a sex worker himself, has dedicated his life to painting the women of Red Light district and immortalized them through his art. His paintings, more haunting than any I’ve seen, have been lined along every step of this building...the dark images following you as you climb a never ending circle of stairs to reach the roof top restaurant. As Hussain says, 'I portray them on canvas, portray them as human beings... they feel pain... they want their children to be educated."
….Women reclined on couches…lying in careless abandonment…faces staring at you with a fixed, almost indifferent gaze. What is it about them that leaves you feeling so unnerved, almost like a cold hand placed on your heart? Perhaps, it's because looking at the paintings, it’s you who seems to be intruding into their world…while the women are the appraising spectators looking on…or because in their wordless cry, they dare you to point a finger at them, so that it's you who is forced to lower your gaze, like a shamefaced child caught in a guilty act instead...
Whatever it is, long after you’ve left the precincts of the Diamond Market, even after you’ve gone back to your ordinary life, those eyes come back to haunt you: Painted, immovable, pinned to the wall, they mock you with their ageless look of pain that seems to have soaked to the core of their being with years of struggle….mocking you your mundane everyday struggles. And even when you close your eyes at night, some where, they’re still awake…staring into nothing…like creatures of a darkness that goes on forever.
A glimpse at Iqbal Hussain's paintings:
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Thank you for sharing this wonderful art with us. Striking, amazing art. As always, you write so beautifully and takes us there.
Ralph, thank you for reading...yes, this artist grew up in the red light district and all the models he used are the from there...just shows that even children born to that misery have hope...
Paradise, what can I say, except that it means the world to me to have your input on whatever I write....thank you!
Another well written hub that offers us an insightful look into another world. You do well to bring this to our attention in a manner that leaves their dignity in tack.
thank you Duchess for your words. yes, I've seen more dignity in some of these women than all so called respectable people judging and raising fingers at them (all it needs is a little human compassion....sigh); anyway, we do what we can...i.e. to keep writing!
Badco I don't know why but this brought tears to my eyes (happy ones)
no words...a simple thank you...x
Your writings are so clear in detail that I can visually see what you are talking about, even though I have never seen Pakistan. Keep writing and I am sorry to be late, been busy. Good job again.
thank you for stopping by Wesley. I haven't lived in pakistan for years now ( in uk now)....but I recreate all this from memory ....almost like it was all before me still. I guess, my heart still is back home... anyway, cheers and much love..
You've done it again. Your words have painted a picture better than any ever hung on a wall. I felt as if I had embarked on a journey up that never ending circle of stairs, only to be rewarded with the pleasure of a wonderful rooftop resturant.
Great Job!
just a simple thank you...and a happy smile....your words made my day! x
Wonderful Hub about a very sad subject. The paintings are beautiful and your mastery of words brings them to life.
Thanks for the great read :)
thank you for reading Sufi...nothing compared to your travel hubs though! ;)
Beautifully written and very evocative. It all seems a world away from this rainy October day in England.
I know Amanda....sitting in london, it's hard to imagine a world like that...but trust me, it's as alive and vibrant as anything I've ever seen! thanks for reading...!
Such powerfully written and evocative pictures that you create with your words. You are an amazing writer! The paintings simply season your piece like a bit of salt and pepper would do to a meal.
Bravo for your fine hub! The paintings are lovely, thanks for introducing artist Iqbal Hussain!
thank you Peggy and Island for reading and appreciating this art...and what it conveys...and how it immortalizes these beautiful women. it's such a pleasure to be read by talented writers like you...smiling your way...
the paintings are marvelous and he even did a self portrait I see with one of his models standing by I presume. I wonder did he tell them not to smile? He did capture the soul of each it seems. Thanks MOW. CC
yes, I've often wondered the same. but i have seen some of these women in real life too....and they really do have those eyes that stare at a point beyond you. it's quite unnerving actually. thank you ral, my dear friend for reading and seeing so much!
This is an interesting article. I have visited Pakistan twice but did not go to Heera Mandi. I have read about this artist before. He is a teacher at the university too. Life is hard for the poor people in Pakistan. I have seen many sights there of poverty. I hope that one day conditions will improve for the people. I like Pakistan and felt at home there even though it is completely different to Europe. The people are so friendly and welcoming.
thank you Hummingbird (what a lovely pseudonym!) for reading and that interesting comment. I wish I could take you with me one day and show you the real heart of lahore...it's a fascinating city!
Unfortunately, because of this whole afghan war, conditions have become really difficult there for the average man, and so the country is going through it's darkest period. Still, culture, art, historical sights lie hidden like jewels that nothing can touch! cheers for reading!
AMAZING art! Great hub, too, of course.
cheers Habee for reading and appreciating! yes, these paintings are even more beautiful in real life..
As Hussain says, 'I portray them on canvas, portray them as human beings... they feel pain... they want their children to be educated."
I definately agree with this, my favorite pieces are the ones with the girls sitting on the table, there is so much character in their faces.
I also like the last one, the detail in the face of the man, Im assuming its the artist himself right?
I havent seen any art from pakistan before :) I am also writing my opinions on vernacular art.
thank you Richie for that great comment! you seem to have an eye for real art, though i must add that these paintings are way more stunning in real life than they appear here. anyway, cheers for reading and commenting!
Excellent Hub! The paintings are hypnotic.
thank you Tn for enjoying this beautiful art...cheers for stopping by!
What an important body of work, Mr. Hussain commemorating these beautiful forgotten women. I would say the same thing about your work, honoring the disenfranchised from forgotten corners of the world. Happy Holidays to you and your family myownworld. Thanks for your ongoing support.
thank you rmcrayne for your great comment! Thanks for stopping by and have a great new year! hope you enjoyed your mother's fantastic Christmas delights? take care x
Thanks again for sharing real life and great writing. Thanks
And thank you to you Micky for finding the time to read and write! you're a very special and sensitive person...will be reading more of your hubs soon! x
I enjoyed reading this and checking out some interesting paintings and art here. of course, the subject is somewhat dark and not what we are used to seeing or reading about from this amazing country. You have effectively allowed us to experience part of the culture through the eyes of an artist who could almost be compared (subject-wise anyway) to Toulouse Lautrec, the french painter who painted bordellos in France. What an amazing and facinating collecion of art. I am impressed that he was allowed to do this! Very unusual way of revealing many insights here. I like your style, MOW! Great hub as always!
Thank you Cheeky...each time I read a comment or hub by you, I'm just amazed at what a wonderful and kind person you are. Yes, Hussain is like the Lautrec of Asia....women with no voice of their own, come alive in their paintings! Anyway, thank you for stopping by....and for being you! :)
I remember seeing this guy on TV once. For those in the western world this line of work (prostitution) is a career choice as it can be well-paid but it's an altogether different story in Pakistan. Got to feel sorry for women that have to resort to this. They feel bad about themselves and society treats them as the lowest of the low. Have been to Pakistan loads of times but would never dare venture into this kind of area...
Thanks for the comment Cantona, and I definitely agree with you on that. Apart from this sad reality, the Red light area, is quite fascinating - great food, and stalls and stunning architecture..so I can highly recommend a visit. Anyway, cheers for reading, will be checking your work too!
very nice hub... ur topics are quiet unique and different..keep up the good hubbing:)
thank you summaiya for the kind words... :)
Did this man not get his due recognition because he is born and from the dark alleys!!
He's now recognized and appreciated for his art, but it was a long and hard struggle for him yes. Cheers for reading dream...
hi there, just to update this blog. Sir Iqbal painted his mother in all of this work and shaped his house where he was grew up into a cafe recently.
brave man he is ..
Cheers!!!
Omer Qureshi
Thank you Qureshi for your input! Much appreciated! :)
Love the "red mosque" picture.. Reminds me of where I am now in saudi... Is there much of the wearing of the Abaya there?
Thank you LeanMan for your comment and how come you landed in Saudi? Unlike what most people think, Pakistan isn't a very Islamic society; the culture is indian actually, and the ubabya or these strict laws on dress/driving/working etc. for women are not common in Pakistan at all, unlike the Middle east.
It's only after this war that has pushed half of Afghanistan into pakistani land, that the islamic influence is growing but even then it's being resisted by the country at large. Hence, Iqbals' painting is very symbolic because it shows how the ordinary women are resisting this islamization.... anyway, cheers for stopping by! :)
Excellent Extraordnary Speacialy in By a Pakistani artist
kool work done by Sir, and thanx to you Nadia,umm sara,,,what ever u r...well done...
@ Anu, thank you for enjoying these..
@ siam, yes, Hussain is a great artist... thank you for stopping by.
Hi MOW,
very nice hub
I enjoyed reading this......Thank you for sharing.....
Hi, you made me sad. The look, tears & sadness of the painting is killing me inside. But to tell you the truth, I did not find the beauty, simplicity & smartness in the sketched girls, which is essential to earn good living. I don’t think all those girls are fat & bulky.
It’s very sad that we can see such heart breaking visuals in most of the poor nations especially in Sub Continent (India, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Nepal & Pakistan).
Love ur wurk
Ralph Deeds Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago
Well written, interesting Hub. The paintings are quite good. It's apparent that the artist cared for the women and portrayed them with dignity.