Jamali

Jamali (born Aqdas Hussain Khan, Pakistan, 1944) is an American avant-garde artist based in New York, known for his unique, organic textures, experimental techniques, and figurative paintings of women. Jamali is a Sufi Muslim, and his spirituality is highly related to his art. His artistic style has been termed “Mystical Expressionism” by art critic and historian Donald Kuspit.

Mystical Expressionism is based on the ancient Sufi tradition of dancing to induce a trance-like state, which Jamali witnessed during his time in the Rajasthan Desert. Ground pigments are applied to a prepared cork canvas, which Jamali dances on. The pigments are then chemically bonded to the canvas. The result is a highly textured, intricate surface. Jamali’s canvas dancing is carried out in a trance-like state, leaving the residue of this state alive on his canvas in the form of movement marks.

The artist is represented internationally; his works are extensively exhibited and collected around the world.

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