When Pakistan was created in 1947 young artist looked towards the West for inspiration. They wanted to cast off the cloak of tradition put on the new garb of the new era.

Cubism, abstract work, and ‘action paintings’ created by pouring and dripping paint, has influenced some of the great artist of Pakistan. These influences can be seen in the works of a number of artists. For details please click here.

These styles professed the use of energetic colors in place of representation and figures, which meshed well with the Islamic tradition of avoiding the painting of living creatures. Murals and billboards, particularly with strong graphic arts elements like exaggerated lettering, are part of the current painting scene in Pakistani cities, as is an increasing interest in the digital arts.

Miniatures in Pakistan derive much of its tradition from miniatures during the Mughal period called “musawwari.