Pakistan's Art

• Pakistani architecture is divided into four: Pre-Islamic, Islamic, Colonial, and Post-colonial
• Pre-Islamic settlements - Modenjo Daro, Harappa, and Kot Diji are among the pre-islamis settlements that are now tourists attractions
• Islamic Period - the light of Islam penetrated in this part of the world as early as 712 A.D from the west with the Arab General Muhammad bin Qasim and during the 10th century A.D from the north with the Turk Sultan Mahmud of Ghaznah (Mahmud Ghaznavi)
• During the Islamic Period - Islam replaced the early way of life of worshipping idols and introduced new philosophy of faith in one God. With Islam in came a new culture in this land from Arabia and Central Asia.
• Islamis Period - tens of thousands of Mosques, Madrasahs, tombs and gardens were created by the Muslim rulers
• Architecture - nation's mosques, many which are decorated with geometric patterns covering the floors, walls, and surrounding the door ways
• Pakistan's ancient architecture is dominated by tombs and religious shrines
• In 1958, Pakistan decided to move its capital from Karachi to a new city that would be called Islamabad or "City Of Islam"
• Lahore Fort - Badshahi Mosque Lahore
• Colonial Architecture - Government College University
• Truck Art - A form of art that uses trucks as the medium and is decorated with brightly colored flamboyant trucks painted with images
• Visual Arts - Pakistan has a rich history in all the visual arts: painting, architecture, textiles and decorative arts, and sculptures
• Two-dimensional arts - artists paints on many surfaces: canvas, paper, walls, even furniture and trucks in styles based on traditional techniques
• Painting - While a lot of the work is abstract, urban landscapes and country scenes are sometimes painted with a new and distinct flair.
• Calligraphy - The art of writing inspired by the Quran and encouraged by a national love for words and literature
• Miniatures - The Mughals brought miniature painting to the land of Pakistan, instilling a love of deep details in small spaces.
• Decorative arts are found inside buildings: pottery, carpets, and fabrics (the handcrafts that are the hallmark of Pakistani Art
• Pakistans excels at weaving, metal work, and pottery
• Karachi and Lahore - important centers for the production of fine carpets
• Textiles such as bedspreads and shawls are popular, and the Sindh and Baloch people are known for their mirror embroidery, where small mirrors are stitched into the fabric to create glittery masterpieces.
• Post Colonial Period (1947)
• Post Colonial Period - In the first decade very few new architecturally significant buildings were added in any sphere of the society.