By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: Renowned Sri Lankan artist, Mueen Saheed made a memorable addition to his tour of Pakistan by presenting a special painting dedicated to Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s celebrated Olympic gold medalist, to the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
The artwork, now part of the PNCA’s prestigious permanent collection, pays homage to Nadeem’s remarkable achievements and his role in uniting fans across borders. The piece, titled The Throw, features an abstract portrayal of Nadeem and his mother, veiled behind Saheed’s distinctive brushstrokes and use of small squares. Known for his signature style of Abstract Narrative Expressionism, Mueen captures not just the physical likeness but also the emotional depth of his subjects.
Through energetic colors and dynamic forms, the painting reflects the strength, perseverance, and spirit of the athlete who brought pride to Pakistan on the global stage.
The presentation ceremony at PNCA, part of the artist’s Passages of Light exhibition, was attended by key figures in the arts and culture sector, including PNCA Director General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali and Federal Minister for Information and Culture, Attaullah Tarar. The minister praised Saheed’s gesture, noting the significance of honoring a national hero whose journey resonates beyond sports, inspiring audiences from Pakistan, India, and around the world.
Saheed shared his motivation for the piece, explaining, “Arshad Nadeem’s story is one of resilience and humility. His victory at the Olympics and the moments of sportsmanship with his Indian counterpart, Neeraj Chopra, were powerful examples of unity in competition. I wanted to create a piece that celebrates his legacy and the human spirit that transcends borders.”
This new addition to PNCA’s collection highlights Saheed’s commitment to cultural diplomacy through art. Throughout his career, the artist has paid tribute to icons and leaders from various fields, having previously painted portraits for sports legends like Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara, Bollywood personalities such as Jacqueline Fernandez, and esteemed world leaders including Prince Charles and the King of Brunei.
The Arshad Nadeem painting joins Saheed’s broader body of work showcased during his Pakistan tour, which included successful exhibitions at the Lahore Museum and PNCA Islamabad. His artworks, exploring themes of heritage and identity, have sparked meaningful dialogue and strengthened cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
With this gift, Saheed continues his tradition of using art as a bridge between nations, celebrating shared values and stories that inspire beyond borders.
