1. Bibliographic Note
Ghalib Baqar was born in a distinguished family of scholars and artists. His grandfather, Syed Baqar Hussain, was a Deputy Collector, while his father’s elder brother, his paternal uncle “Barray Abba” Syed Mustafa Hussain served as an Income Tax Commissioner in Allahabad. His father, Professor Mujtaba Hussain, was a highly respected figure in Urdu literature—known as a critic, play writer, teacher, translator, fiction writer, and poet.
The family home was a hub for literary and cultural gatherings, attended by some of the most well-known names of the time, including Josh Malihabadi, Raja Sahib Mahmood Abad, Allama Rasheed Turabi, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Jon Elia, Sadequain, Raees Amrohvi, and many others. His great-grandfather, Syed Abdullah, was a master of tughra, calligraphy, miniature painting, and fine penmanship—making art and creativity a deep part of Ghalib’s heritage.
From early childhood, Ghalib Baqar showed a strong interest in paintings. Recognizing his talent, his parents enrolled him in the Karachi School of Arts in 1971. After completing a four-year program, he graduated with distinction in 1975. While still a student, he won his first Fine Arts award in 1974. Soon after, he was awarded first and second prizes in exhibitions organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.
Over the years, he continued to build his artistic career by showcasing his work in various galleries across Karachi and Pakistan, including regular participation in the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) exhibitions in Islamabad. His work also appeared in exhibitions held in Lahore’s Alhamra Biennale (1988)—a landmark event that included artists from SAARC and other countries, where he received the first prize.
For over 25 years, Ghalib served as a dedicated art educator. He taught at several well-known institutions, including the Balochistan Arts Council (Quetta), Karachi Grammar School, Karachi School of Arts, Central Institute of Arts & Crafts Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi), and the University of Karachi’s Visual Arts Department.
2. Artist Statement
Art is in the nature of a person but the people wo born with a special intelligence do a lot of than an ordinary. I believe that awareness of society and politics is as necessary as a basic component for an artist. Art and its skills have no limits and it’s a continues journey towards exploring new galaxies of mind. The responsibility of an artist is not only to raise the injustice of the society but to play an active role against it. Around the world, a lack of food debilitating, often fatal problem and people are getting more nuclear and advanced but beauty, justice and truth are divine and pure as nature and much for an artist to get its art completed. The great painter Pablo Picasso’s great associate Albert Camus Says; “The era of chair bound artist is over”.
3. Artwork Review
His artwork has been praised by many respected art critics, including Amjad Ali, Akbar Naqvi, Hamid Zaman, Neelofar Farukh, Sarwat Ali, and Amrah Ali. International critics like Ludovico Pratesi (President, AICA Italy) and Dr. Marcella Nesom from the USA have also written about his talent and paid tribute to his unique style. Several of these critics have featured him in their books and articles.
4. Credentials
Exhibitions
Ghalib Baqar has taken part in over 100 group exhibitions in countries including the USA, UK, Japan, Canada, India, and Egypt, and has held more than 10 solo exhibitions in Pakistan.
Honors
His paintings are displayed in prestigious locations such as the President House, National Assembly, PNCA Islamabad, ICI Building, and even the Pakistani Embassy in the UK (1988). His work is also part of the collections of several prominent art collectors and cultural institutions.
Media Coverage
Media coverage of his exhibitions and interviews has appeared across leading newspapers and television channels in Pakistan.
As a Judge and Mentor
He has served as a judge at numerous art competitions held at institutions like Hamdard University, Princeton University, Frere Hall Art Gallery, and Central Institute of Arts and Crafts.
Workshops and Demonstrations:
He also continues to share his skills by conducting workshops and live painting demonstrations at institutions like the Indus Valley School of Art, Karachi University, and various art councils across the country.
Awards
In 2024, Ghalib Baqar was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, for his outstanding contributions to art.
In 2016, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Watercolor Society (IWS).
He has won first prize eight times in various national and international exhibitions.