HANIF RAMAY (PAKISTAN, 1930-2006)

HANIF RAMAY (PAKISTAN, 1930-2006)
Hasbi Allah (1997)
Oil on canvas
Signed lower left
91 x 61cm (35.8 x 24in)
Framed

Illustrated:
Haneef Ramay, The Meaningful Movement of Line, National Art Gallery, Exhibition catalogue, p. 19
Allama bil-Kalam, Arabic Calligraphy in Pakistan, p. 111

Provenance:
From the collection of the artist's family

Mohamed Hanif Ramay (1930–2006) was a distinguished Pakistani politician and artist, whose career combined political activism with artistic vision. Elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab in 1970 on a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) ticket, he became a key figure in advocating for progressive policies, particularly in human rights, education, and poverty alleviation. His political career saw him appointed as Finance Minister in 1972, Governor of Punjab in 1973, and Chief Minister of Punjab from 1974 to 1975. In the 1990s, he served as Speaker of the Provincial Assembly from 1993 to 1996, contributing significantly during Benazir Bhutto's government.

Ramay’s influence extended beyond politics into social activism, where he led various organizations promoting reforms and raising awareness about key issues facing Pakistan. His political work was closely tied to efforts challenging corruption, advocating for democratic processes, and empowering marginalized communities.

His time in these roles, particularly in governance and political advocacy, deeply shaped his worldview and became an integral part of his artistic narrative. The experiences he garnered from navigating the complexities of politics, governance, and activism reflect in the symbolic elements and thematic layers present in his art. Through his paintings, sculptures, and installations, Ramay continues to explore the tensions between personal identity and the broader political environment, often providing a profound commentary on the challenges and contradictions of political power. These positions not only placed him in the heart of political decision-making but also served as a springboard for his deeper involvement in the intersection of art and activism, earning him recognition as both a political leader and a thought-provoking artist.

Mohamed Hanif Ramay is celebrated for his distinctive modernist and calligraphic style, which merges traditional elements with contemporary artistic expression. His works seamlessly blend the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan with innovative techniques and forms, offering a unique voice in the realm of modern art. Ramay’s approach to modernism is not solely rooted in Western influences; rather, he draws deeply from Islamic art and South Asian traditions, integrating calligraphy, abstraction, and symbolism to create powerful visual narratives.

At the heart of Ramay’s artistic style is his mastery of calligraphy, which he reinterprets in modernist ways. He often deconstructs and distorts traditional calligraphic forms, fusing them with abstract patterns and geometric compositions. This technique allows him to transcend the literal meaning of the script and focus on its aesthetic and spiritual qualities. The fluidity of his brushwork, combined with a keen attention to composition, results in pieces that evoke a sense of movement and rhythm, reflecting the dynamic tension between tradition and innovation. Ramay’s calligraphic art is deeply symbolic, drawing on the themes of spirituality, identity, and social commentary. Through his intricate lines and expressive forms, he explores the complex interplay between the sacred and the secular, the personal and the collective. His modernist style, with its emphasis on abstraction and emotive expression, provides a fresh lens through which to view traditional Islamic and South Asian art forms.

Ramay’s works have been exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and art institutions both in Pakistan and internationally. His exhibitions include prominent venues such as the National Art Gallery in Islamabad, the Lahore Art Gallery, and the Karachi Art Council. On the international front, his works have been showcased in major exhibitions in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, where his unique blend of modernism and calligraphy has garnered significant acclaim. His pieces have also been part of group exhibitions that focus on the intersection of political, cultural, and spiritual themes, reflecting his ability to engage with global audiences on a deeply personal and universal level.

This is the first time that works by this pivotal artist have been available at auction and give a rare opportunity to acquire items from an iconic period of Pakistani art history.