"He painted Lahore as it truly is.”
The Pakistani art world is mourning the loss of renowned painter Iqbal Hussain, whose passing has been confirmed by major cultural institutions.
Lahore’s AlHamra Arts Council and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts both confirmed the artist’s death on January 23, 2026.
Iqbal Hussain was widely recognised for his fearless paintings depicting life inside Lahore’s historic red light district, Heera Mandi.
Born into a family of courtesans, Hussain grew up surrounded by stories, faces, and realities that later defined his artistic voice.
His work often stirred debate, with critics labelling it controversial while admirers praised its honesty and emotional depth.
Following his death, many artists and cultural figures have remembered him as a painter who never compromised his truth.
One defining moment of his career highlighted that defiance when his paintings were barred from exhibition at AlHamra Gallery.
Rather than retreat, Hussain displayed his oil paintings on the footpath outside, an act that shocked Pakistan’s art circles.
The protest exhibition quickly became national news and later propelled Hussain toward international recognition and acclaim.
An alumnus of Lahore’s National College of Arts, Hussain later returned as a teacher, shaping generations of artists.
Students often recalled his classroom presence as quietly intense, marked by honesty, discipline, and deep emotional insight.
Tributes poured in from across Pakistan after news of his death broke.
Journalist Raza Rumi wrote on X: “He painted Lahore as it truly is.”
Fifi Haroon shared her reflections on Instagram, calling Hussain’s artistic journey one of “depth and profundity”.
She also recalled admiring his work at Cooco’s Den, the iconic Walled City restaurant founded by Hussain himself.
Photographer Mobeen Ansari remembered meeting Hussain while working on a book project featuring Pakistani artists.
“He was usually a quiet individual, but his paintings spoke so loudly.”
Calling the loss immense, Ansari added: “He painted Lahore in all its glory and inspired many artists to find courage.”
Sameera Raja, founder of Karachi’s Canvas Art Gallery, recalled studying under Hussain during her years at NCA.
“His honesty, courage and deep connection to his world left a lasting imprint.”
Art institutions across Pakistan issued condolence messages, recognising Hussain’s contribution to national culture.
Canvas Art Gallery described him as a fiercely honest and deeply human voice in Pakistani art.
Art House London said his work remained grounded in truth, direct, unsentimental, and uncompromising.
Islamabad’s Satrang Gallery highlighted his profound impact on Pakistani art and lasting influence on visual storytelling.
Vasl Artists Association called him a legendary figure in the country’s art history.
Through his paintings, Hussain humanised taboo subjects and documented lives often ignored by mainstream narratives.
His passing leaves behind an irreplaceable silence in Pakistan’s art scene and a legacy rooted in courage.
Iqbal Hussain will be remembered as an artist who painted truth without fear and gave voice to the unseen.
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