Ali Hammad

From the artist, with Art Renewal Center 2021

Tessy Koshy, “The Breakdown: UAE Based Artist Ali Hammad Discusses The Bird Catcher”, The Arab News, February 5, 2021, Illustrated p. 15

Hina Khan Palwasha, “Pakistani Artist Makes It to Sotheby’s”, The Frontier Post, Peshawar, Sunday January 17, 2021, Illustrated p. 3

Carl Korsnes, “Lahore, Pakistan: Grand Exhibition with 50 Figurative Painters - A Rekindling of Interest In Human Form”, Civilization Magazine (Norwegian: Sivilisasjonen), May 25, 2021, illustrated, (online article)

Allison Malafronte, “Show Preview: ARC Salon Exhibition” Southwest Art, June 8, 2021, illustrated (online article)

Various authors, “International Realism: 15th International ARC Salon”, ACC Art Books, Woodbridge, Suffolk 2021, (Third Place Figurative), Illustrated p. 75

Ali Hammad was born in 1985 in Quetta, Pakistan. Reared in happy and auspicious circumstances his father (Professor of English) passed on to him, not only a love for literature and art, but also a strong Keatsian sense of ‘beauty and truth’ as being mutually intertwined. Thus, Ali remained a votary of the principle that “a painter should only think brush in hand”. With the passage of time Ali’s appetite for drawing and painting whetted further. He ultimately was able to win a scholarship from the renowned National College of Arts, Lahore. He graduated graced with meritorious ‘honor’. In 2010, he was commissioned to do the portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed and has completed a number of other portrait commissions for private collections. Articles about his artworks have been published every time exhibitions were held displaying his work. Quite recently, an article, “Spirit of Life” was published in The Dawn newspaper, when the group exhibition, “Resurgence” was held at Ejaz Gallery, Lahore as well as “A Rekindling of Interest In The Human Form” in the Cultural Magazine, “Sivilisasjonen,” which was printed in both the English and Norwegian Language. Ali, since his childhood, developed a penchant towards Realism, Baroque and the Academic Art Movement. His subject matter includes still-life, portraits and other figurative works. The flesh of the human figure and the ‘mysterious quiet’ around the still life arrangement has always been fascinating to him. Although his art practice at college mainly focused on modern art, Ali Hammad developed a great interest in realism that was diametrically opposed to the then existing vogue in art. It was a challenging journey he recalls - ‘sailing up the creek without the paddles!’ Overall, having put relentless efforts and zeal into his work, he asserted himself, and emerged as an exceptional painter. When he graduated in 2006, ‘magna-cum-laude’, he started his real journey in art. Exploring the possibilities of paint, making beautiful brushstrokes, learning different tactile qualities, and above all, capturing the breath and the spirit in a painting, remains his forte. He has worked till now as an artist in United Arab Emirates, where teaching and studio practice keeps him busy. He has displayed many a show both national and international. The viewers always seek for his ‘brightly lit’ still-lifes as well as his breathtaking figurative works.  

Please note that while this auction is hosted on Sothebys.com, it is being administered by the ARC, and all post-sale matters (inclusive of invoicing and property pickup/shipment) will be handled by the ARC. As such, Sotheby’s will share the contact details for the winning bidders with the ARC so that they may be in touch directly post-sale.