IMRAN KHAN
life story
I was on a hot summer day to a very poor family of Peshawar, on June 07th 1988. I was the fifth child of my parents, my father was the only earning hand taking care of my mother along with my other eight siblings. Life was just crawling ever so slowly in my family where resources were so scarce and expenses were too many.
I had a severe hand burn injury at the age of one year, due to which I almost lost my right hand but thanks to my mother’s timely decision it was not to be. By three years of age I was going with my father who was a local fruit seller to his shop to help him. During hot summer while coming back to home from the shop I had a severe heat stroke, I was taken to hospital and was unconscious for almost a couple of months. This illness took my ability to properly speak and listen, even to this date I cannot listen properly. Being born in a very poor family emphasis on education was the last priority of my parents as they simply could not afford it. Being a special child my mother gave me special attention.
At the age of five I was sent with my brothers who were local truck artists to their shop, and thus I was introduced to the world of art which will change my life forever. Something blossomed in me and I knew in my heart that this is my world and this is where I can really excel. Seeing my neighbors going to school I also wanted to go but my parents could not afford to send me to a good school so they instead put me in a government school. After school hours I used to go to my brothers’ shop and learn the art of truck art. I had the natural instinct for drawing and painting and I learnt the art without any proper guidance from very early age.
After the primary education, I went to a local high school and used to amazed both my fellow student and teachers by drawing different paintings and sketches. My first recognition came during these years where I won several awards and prizes in different regional and provincial painting competitions. Everyone was so amazed because I was doing this without any proper training and courses.
After completing my high school, I was again obstructed by my poverty and could not continue regular studies for almost two years. I started cinema board painting with a locally known artist, but something in me was not quite happy with this situation as I wanted to learn art and bring professionalism in my work.
I joined Khana-e-Farhang, an Iranian art learning institute located in my city Peshawar. Here I met one of the influential characters of my career, Mr. Qais Nawabi, who taught me the tricks of the trade and guided me how to further improve my work. I used to go to cinema painting in morning, then to institute and then back to work. It was very hectic but I was happy that I am learning something and my life is no more stagnant.
During this time, I was offered to work on pottery art, while doing different paintings on pottery. I was introduced to the beauty and politeness of beautiful Ghandara Art, which flourished and surrounded my area back in the history. I left cinema paintings and joined pottery art as a professional. while continuing my studies of art and paintings, this was a better earning job which really helped me to get proper college education from University of Peshawar, Department of Art and Design.
I graduated from Peshawar university with distinction. During my university days I won many competitions. With proper education I was able to portray myself in a more professional and meaningful way. I wanted to get higher education in this field but due to my financial restraints I am unable to do so, but I hope that in future I will be able to do this.
Along with many local and national recognitions and awards, I have been, All Pakistan Winner (2012) first position holder in world online contest (2013), first Position as Young Pakistani IWS Online Contest (2016).
I used mediums such as oil paints, water colors, pastels, charcoal, acrylics. My water color main theme is the culture of my land, where I can show through my art the beauty and the diversity of my culture.
I have a long way to go as age is on my side. I think the main reason behind my success is the hardships and struggles of my mother which made it possible for me to come this far. Who knew my right hand that was about to be cut off from arm will be making me to represent my culture all over the world and becoming my identity.
This is not the end of my story but in fact a small glimpse of a great beginning...
