Painters Of Pakistan (Series) - (Late) Ustad Allah Bux (Circa 1892 - 1978) December 24,1991

Ustad Allah Bux born in Wazirabad circa 1892. He worked as an apprentice to Ustad Abdullah at a very young age. He also learnt the art of painting from Master Meeran Bakhsh Naqash, a known teacher and painter and was also the Vice Principal of the Mayo School of Arts. Ustad Allah Bux worked for various private agencies as a commercial artist and never stick to one job. He was invited to teach at Sir J.J. School of Arts, the offer was politely declined by the artist. But he accepted to work at the Mayo School of Arts.
From a very young age Allah Bux started exhibiting his works. He was awarded 1St prize in painting in a competition held in Bombay. Later on he was awarded countless prizes. He was also awarded Presidents medal for Pride of Performance. In 1979, through RCD\'s programme, the government of Iran, reproduced one of his paintings on a postage stamp.
He was known for painting folk tales, village life, landscapes and portraits. He worked mostly in oils and on larger scales but he also experimented with other mediums. He was fluent in water-colours, pen & ink, tempera colours, pencil and paints. At times he combines various mediums to achieve innovative surfaces. Thematically, Allah Bux was very much inspired by his own surroundings but in his style of painting landscapes he was deeply influenced by the western classical paintings. The reason could be strong hold of British Empire ruling united India.
Ustad Allah Bux taught free to his students which include Pakistani as well as Foreigners, some of them are today considered prominent artists. His paintings are preserved by collectors world over and are considered treasure. The National Art Gallery has a representative collection of his paintings, which remains on display for public viewing. He left behind amongst many valuables, his studio where he used to spent most of his time. The same has been converted into an academy "Allah Bux Academy" which is a learning ground for those who wants to excel in this great master's style.
He died in October 18, 1978, leaving behind a long list of his admirers and followers. Ustad Allah Bux was a real asset to this nation. His traditions will be preserved for generations in times to come and his contribution will be long remembered.
(Contributed by: Pakistan National Council of the Arts Ministry of Culture and Sports) To commemorate the works of renowned painters of Pakistan, Pakistan Post Office is issuing one commemorative postage stamp of Re. 1/- denomination on December 24, 1991.