Salahuddin Mian

Salahuddin Mian (1938 – 28 February 2006) was Pakistan's first ceramic or pottery artist.[1][2][3]

He was born Mian Salahuddin.[4] According to Mian, his inspiration to become a ceramicist was because he was "born in the locality of potters in the town of Kasur."[5][6]

Early life

Mian was born in Kasur, Punjab, British India to an upper-middle-class Arain family of 10 children.[7] His father, Mian Mohammad Rafi was a landowner and farmer as well as member of the local council.[7]

Education

He graduated from Government School in Kasur.[8] In 1958, he joined the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, graduating four years later in 1962.[2] While there, he studied under the Japanese ceramist, Koichi Takita Sensei.

He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship[2] in 1965.

Personality

He reportedly "had a complex personality, respected among his peers but a loner".[2] His father's murder deeply affected him. Shakir Ali, principal at the National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan used to take deep interest in his students, was delighted at the news that Mian Salahuddin had received the Fulbright Scholarship for a Ph.D degree in the United States. But when he suggested to Mian Salahuddin that he leave his artwork behind at NCA, Lahore, as he leaves for the United States, "Mian went berserk, smashing his pots in a rage until Shakir Ali and Adil stopped him". Shakir Ali then said, "Do what you like". Mian used to be very possessive of his artwork and used to get very nervous as the artwork was moved from one venue to the other.[4][2]

His work

Mian Salahuddin was a talented artist and produced pieces of art liked by many people. He referred to groups of similar pieces as "the families".[1][9] His contemporary painters in Pakistan included Bashir Mirza and Adil Salahuddin.[2][10]

Teaching

He started his teaching career at National College of Arts (NCA) in 1963. Reportedly, as a teacher, he was a strict disciplinarian.[2] He retired in 1998 as the head of the department.

Students

Amongst his students was Sheherezade Alam, Pakistan's first female ceramicist.

Death

He died as a result of brain cancer on 28 February 2006.[2]

Exhibitions

References
  1. Anis Zuberi (4 February 2008). "Master ceramicist's works on display". Dawn (newspaper). Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  2. Marjorie Hussain (August 2006). "Tale of the Tile - An exhibition at The Mohatta Palace Museum" (PDF). SHE Magazine. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  3. Overview of Salahuddin Mian 1938-2006 on WorldCat Identities website Retrieved 5 January 2023
  4. Early life and family life in Born of Fire, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan, edited by Noorjehan Bilgrami, 2008 Pg 20
  5. Born of Fire, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan, edited by Noorjehan Bilgrami, 2008 Pg 31
  6. Salwat Ali (2 August 2015). "COVER: The Art of the Matter". Dawn (newspaper). Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  7. Anwer Mian, My beloved uncle, in Born of Fire, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan, edited by Noorjehan Bilgrami, 2008 Pg 33
  8. Early life and family life in Born of Fire, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan, edited by Noorjehan Bilgrami, 2008 Pg 19
  9. Born of Fire, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan, edited by Noorjehan Bilgrami, 2008 Pg 5
  10. Artworks Feature: Pakistan's potters ABC.net (Australian website), Published 21 November 2009, Retrieved 5 January 2023

Further reading
  • Born of Fire, Edited by Noorjehan Bilgrami, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan 2008.


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