Written by: Ayesha Amir
Posted on: August 16, 2024 | 
The courtyard of the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore
It is no secret that the National College of Arts (NCA) is any art student’s dream place to be admitted to. With its rich history now surmounting to almost a hundred and fifty years old, NCA, which was first called the Mayo School of Arts when it was first founded in 1875, is a thriving hub of the most gifted and creative people within Pakistan. The National College of Arts (NCA) has played a pivotal role in promoting both contemporary and traditional art forms, preserving cultural heritage, and providing comprehensive education and training for emerging artists. Its faculty and alumni have been catalysts for artistic innovation and transformative change within Pakistan's cultural landscape.
Print-making students busy in their work
Shakir Ali, the first Pakistani principal of NCA, played a pivotal role in fostering cubism among Pakistani artists. His student at NCA, Bashir Mirza, is widely recognized as one of Pakistan's most exhibited painters abroad, celebrated for seamlessly integrating modernist influences into Pakistani art. Another notable figure is Jamil Naqsh, who briefly studied at NCA and gained renown for his unique style, blending classical Persian and Mughal miniature techniques with modernist elements. Among the distinguished alumni of NCA are Salima Hashmi, a former principal herself, and Zahoor ul Akhlaq, who not only graduated from NCA but also contributed significantly as a teacher. Rashid Rana, Jamal Shah, Imran Qureshi, Shazia Sikandar and Abdul Jabbar Gill are other alumni who have made profound impacts on the global art scene with their innovative approaches and distinctive styles. Additionally, figures like Saeed Akhtar, Murtaza Jafri, Jimmy Engineer and Faisal Qureshi have also emerged from NCA, enriching Pakistani art with their unique perspectives and contributions. Together, these artists have collectively elevated the stature of Pakistani art both nationally and internationally.
NCA Building from front
As a non-arts student, I always wondered whether NCA was an exclusive place that harbored only those who could create magic with their hands and minds. Having studied art in theory but not in practice, I have reason to believe that there is all the possibility in the world where one can have a creative mind but not possess the practical skill to realize their idea into a painting, sculpture, or any other art piece. Only through delayed understanding did I realize that it was very much possible to be a part of the world that feels so exclusive, so high up on the pedestal where only those highly skilled creators could exist. Though it can be a little daunting. Having an appreciation of art is a skill in of itself; one does not necessarily need to be an artist themselves in the true sense of being to recognize and appreciate art. Those were the thoughts rummaging through my head while leaving for NCA, but all it proved was that I was nervous, afraid of getting recognized as an “outsider” in a place meant only for creatives.
Print Department at NCA
I was wrong. When you think of NCA, probably the first things that come to mind as they did for me are paint-splattered studios, grand sculptures, and students sketching in every nook and cranny. And guess what, you wouldn’t be wrong in the slightest! Walking through the gates of NCA, you're immediately struck by historical architecture and a keen sense of standing in a place that is truly historic. The feeling is very similar to visiting old heritage sites or museums that showcase relics from a past far gone; you’re left with that eerie consciousness of how small you are, and how grand the scheme of time is very an unthinkable number of people existed and had lives before you in the very place there you’re standing in now – the rich history truly echoes through NCA’s corridors – it was set up to train craftsmen and has evolved into a an institution for fine arts, architecture, design, and music in Pakistan. Take a moment to appreciate the history that these walls have witnessed. Speaking of museums, another fascinating thing about NCA is that it is in close proximity with the beautiful Lahore Museum. It was once without borders and fences which meant that both NCA and the Lahore Museum were accessible from within to students who made use of their access to the museum for various academic and creative purposes.
National College of Arts, a federal chartered institute
The central courtyard within campus seemed like the most wholesome place to be, and a huge credit for that goes to two things – firstly, how kindly the man from the canteen served us chai and the NCA canteen’s staple finger biscuits. And two – the drawing drill. Yes, that’s a thing at NCA, the bell rings and all students leave what they’re doing to just come out into the courtyard, sit wherever they find a place, and sketch the first thing their sight lands on. Trekking through the campus is a very fun undertaking. The buildings are designated by departments. Going through the printing department first was a fun learning experience. The special tools, materials, and machines used for printing and embossing were all fascinating but the most fascinating were the student projects. They show offed skill and creativity. The students were very excited to talk about their creative process and ideas.
My personal favorite, however, was the miniature painting department. It was where I interacted with the students and learnt about their creative process the most, although the atmosphere at first was very dense, with students bent in extreme concentration over their wooden slate, sleek paint brushes in hand and a deep frown between their brows, intricately maneuvering the strokes so that they fell precisely where they wanted the paint to be. I could only stare in awe at the beautiful results. Miniature painting as an art form has a long-standing history as being the go-to cultural and visual medium of preserving history, as we know through the various Mughal court paintings. It was thus that seeing the process and the tradition being continued in person was so surreal. Just when I would think I have seen the most fascinating thing yet, I would stumble upon something even more extraordinary. An example of this is the live sketching session, where the muse sat in the centre surrounded by a circle of students drawing him exactly at the angle at which they see him.
Students busy at their work at NCA courtyard
The vibe at NCA is distinctly different from any other academic institution. It is relaxed yet charged with palpable energy. There is a sense of freedom in the air – a freedom to express, to create, and to challenge the norm. This unique atmosphere, I realized, is a result of decades of nurturing artistic talent and fostering an environment where creativity thrives. Visiting NCA thus as a non-arts student profoundly changes your perspective by revealing the creative process behind artistic endeavors. It demystifies the world of art, so to say, by showing that appreciation and understanding of creativity extend beyond the ability to produce art. The very fact that NCA has an appeal for everyone shows that the layer behind that sentiment is this: there is universality in the nature of artistic expression. This creates a deeper appreciation for the dedication, skill, and historical significance of the arts. Meeting the people and students of NCA shows that creativity is not confined to the traditionally "gifted" but is a shared human experience that transcends disciplines, enriching both the observer and the artist.
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