Asif Ghayaz

Ghayaz’s talent for sketching and drawing was noticed at a very young age by his elder brother who nurtured and encouraged it. This innate talent was further groomed under the tutelage of the legendary Eqbal Mehdi, under whom Asif studied extensively and whose influence can be clearly seen in his work. Ghayaz’s pen and ink portraits are so detailed, the figures so finely executed and posed so naturally within his compositions, that one feels almost as if one can reach out and touch them, while feeling simultaneously wary of intruding into their solitude and contemplation. The often half-hidden faces enhance the aura of mystery and aloofness of his women. The works in which he includes architectural details also demonstrate his mastery in creating minute decorative detail, depth, and three-dimensional space. Ghayaz is shown extensively in art galleries all over Pakistan and has also worked for the Aga Khan University Hospital for several years with his work depicted in their calendars greeting cards and newsletters.