Artist Interview

Harmoniously Composed 

Jimmy Engineer

Known best for his Partition paintings of mural-like proportions, and for his philanthropy and social work, Jimmy Engineer reveals that he is now painting the last painting of his Partition of 1947 series.  The Partition series has been an artistic journey for Jimmy Engineer that has lasted nearly 35 years, and it began with a dream.  Actually, more like a nightmare. 

“It was late in the year 1973”, begins Jimmy Engineer, “…that I started having these dreams.  I’d see burning trains, rape scenes, bloodshed, weeping women.  I could not understand what it was that I was seeing, and I was disturbed by these sights, so I discussed it with a Sufi.  He told me it was related to Partition”.  But why would someone who was born seven years after 1947, and who’s family never endured the trauma of migrating from India to Pakistan, see such nightmares?  Perhaps this is evidence of Carl Jung’s assertion of a collective unconscious- that a part of each and everyone’s unconscious mind is the product of ancestral experience, and that is why humanity shares many values and morals, despite our differences.  Or maybe, by the age of 19, the painter must have heard a great number of stories and accounts about Partition that they, unknown to him, became a part of his consciousness. 

However, the Sufi with whom Jimmy discussed these dreams gave him an answer that would change his life. “ ’Nature is preparing you to paint these paintings’ is what he told me. And so in 1974, I started painting the Partition series, and it was when I started painting that, that I found peace of mind”.  And this endeavor continued non-stop until 1981, “…by this time I had completed about nine of the Partition paintings, and the visions, the nightmares had stopped”, shares Jimmy Engineer.  The first of the Partition paintings were displayed in 1978 at the All Punjab Exhibition in Lahore.  “The Sikhs Attacking painting and the Refugees Under the Tree painting, which won first prize, were displayed.  I remember Sadequain was one of the judges and the Governor of Punjab was also there and appreciated my work,” reminisces Jimmy.

There was more motivating Jimmy to paint the Partition series.  He elaborates how “…while growing up, nothing in art was related to our history. With these paintings, I am trying to remind people of not only a part of our history, but to also remind them of the sacrifices of 1947 and to motivate the younger generation”.  The painter’s sensitivity towards human suffering has inspired him more than artistically.  Having suffered kidney failure at the age of six, Jimmy Engineer understands from a young age how precious, and difficult, life is.  Charity and philanthropy are another major part of his life.  “I was given a second chance, and that is why I wish to do good. I was a pupil of Sufi Barkat Ali in Faisalabad and it was from him that I learned about helping people and giving without thinking”, he explains.  Aware of the plight others suffer, Jimmy Engineer is especially serious when it comes to children.  “Orphans, special needs children, juveniles in jails, they are the most neglected, they suffer the most because the public is so unkind, and parents at times are embarrassed of them.  They deserve respect and to be treated nicely,” he empathizes. 

Jimmy Engineer’s spirit to serve also extends into his love for Pakistan and his Architecture series of paintings.  “I am a servant to Pakistan.  It was about eight years ago that I started painting Pakistan’s architecture,” begins Jimmy.  The Architecture series is also painted in the mural-like sizes that he is now known for.  “My paintings are not for houses. The sizes cannot be accommodated even in galleries,” he states.  “…I want to show the buildings of Pakistan along with the buildings of other countries, all harmoniously composed,” and perhaps it is this harmony that Jimmy Engineer feels is missing in our society, because much of what this painter does proves that in Pakistan, not everyone just talks the talk.