Today we’d like to introduce you to Suleman Khan.
Hi Suleman, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Pakistan, my childhood was spent in the streets of Baluchistan where I used to express myself with any available material in nature to create sculptures. Later I got formally trained in arts at the renowned National Art College of Lahore that opened doors of many opportunities for me to exhibit nationally and internationally. I moved to Canada in 2017 and currently reside in Toronto creating art for many clients like Homesense, Walmart, Target, etc. The journey from the streets of Baluchistan to giant big box stores in North America was not easy but I take great pride in what I have achieved.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Coming from a third-world country Pakistan where perusing a career in art is extremely challenging, the journey has not been smooth at all. I struggled to make ends meet and worked different jobs in advertising agencies to buy materials for my art practice. Then moving to Canada was again challenging and life in Toronto is very expensive so I had to work odd jobs in the beginning to pay bills. I am very happy that I managed to still create art and did not give up on my art practice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am inspired by my tribal community and the landscape of Baluchistan province in Pakistan, where I was born and lived most of my life before moving to Canada. The traditional Baluchi attire, architecture, landscape, and challenges faced by people in Baluchistan have inspired my art since the beginning of my art practice. I am always excited to try new mediums to work with. Be it painting with acrylics and watercolours or sculpting with unconventional materials like barbed wires, wood, and metal. My work is inspired by my tribal community, the circumstances, and geographic landscape of Baluchistan province of Pakistan. Whether I do interactive art installations or paint abstract portraits, they connect me back my roots and my home.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the art industry is moving to minimalistic art very fast and I see future going completely abstract.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sulemankmengal.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sulemankhan5654?utm_medium=copy_link
Image Credits
Suleman Khan
