Shamim Q

Born in Delhi in the 1937, SAQ started what was to become a life long journey of free expression through art. As a child he lived in the Punjab region of the British Empire and was a witness of religious riots leading to estimates of up to 500,000 people being killed in the retributive genocide. At the age of 10 he was displaced due to the violence and participated in what was the largest mass migration in human history. These prolific life experiences can be continue to be seen throughout his works.

"We must become the change we want to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi

In 1964 SAQ moved from India to England and began experimenting with print ink and the use of string as a form of texture due to the lack of available tools. During that period, heavily influenced by the uncertainty in the world, he sought to bring beauty to chaos though painting. However, by the 1970's he nobly gave up his passion for art to provide for his family and raise his children. His first body of work was subsequently lost forever.

Moving to the United States in the early 80's SAQ dreamed of the work that was to come. He began painting small works for friends and family. In the summer of 2008, his children retired him and relocated him to L...

Masters and Life

I Art U DTLA 2012