Artistic Journey
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Shafqat Rana developed an early fascination with Islamic architecture and calligraphy. His formal education began at the National College of Arts in Lahore, where he honed his techniques under the guidance of master calligraphers and traditional painters. Following his academic training, Rana traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world, studying historic monuments and manuscripts in Turkey, Iran, Morocco, and Spain.
Rana's artistic evolution has been marked by a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage through contemporary artistic expression. His early works focused primarily on traditional calligraphic forms, but over time he developed a distinctive style that incorporates architectural elements, geometric patterns, and symbolic imagery drawn from Islamic artistic traditions. This unique synthesis has established him as a bridge between classical Islamic art and modern aesthetic sensibilities.
Throughout his career, Rana has been recognized for his technical mastery and innovative approach to traditional art forms. His work has been exhibited in major galleries across Pakistan, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. As an educator and mentor, he has also contributed significantly to nurturing the next generation of artists dedicated to preserving and evolving Pakistan's rich artistic heritage.
Education
BFA, National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan
MFA in Islamic Art & Architecture, University of Punjab
Advanced Studies in Traditional Calligraphy, Istanbul Academy of Arts
Awards
National Excellence Award in Fine Arts, Government of Pakistan, 2017
Islamic Heritage Preservation Award, Dubai Cultural Foundation, 2014
Pride of Performance in Visual Arts, 2010
Master Calligrapher Recognition, International Calligraphy Association, 2006
Style & Medium
Shafqat Rana works across multiple mediums, including calligraphy ink, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media on paper and canvas. His style is characterized by a harmonious blend of traditional Islamic calligraphy with architectural imagery. He is known for his rich color palette—particularly his use of emerald greens, deep blues, and warm earth tones—as well as his meticulous attention to detail and compositional balance. Many works feature layered meanings through the integration of Quranic verses and poetic texts with architectural and geometric motifs.
