Jamali (artist)

Jamali (born Aqdas Hussain Khan, Pakistan, 1944) is an American avant-garde artist. His artistic style has been termed Mystical Expressionism by art critic and historian Donald Kuspit. He is known for his unique, organic textures, experimental techniques, and figurative paintings of women. Currently his bestselling works are pigment on cork. He is a Sufi Muslim, and his spirituality is highly related to his art.
Life.
Jamali was born Aqdas Hussain Khan on April 12, 1944 in Peshawar, Pakistan to Shafquat and Ahmad Hussain Khan. His autobiography reports that his family was visited by a wise man who prophesied that the family would achieve greatness and should adopt the surname Jamali. As a teenager, Jamali attended the Cadet College Hasan Abdal, but left due to its warlike bent.
Travels.
After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Jamali made a pilgrimage to Tirich Mir and then traveled throughout Europe, seeking a stable home for his pacifist art. In Paris he met a number of American students studying abroad and decided to apply to the University of Central Florida to study Fine Art. Jamali moved to America in 1970 on a student visa to attend the University of Central Florida. He has been based in the US since then.
Career.
Aqdas Jamali started going by the mononym Jamali as he launched his career in the 1970s. In this time, the artist worked primarily in pastel on paper. After successful initial exhibitions, Jamali was inspired to embark upon more experimental methods and media, including but not limited to cork, egg tempera, and bronze. Today he is considered a prominent modern expressionist who owns and operates contemporary art galleries in New York and Florida.
Mystical expressionism.
Jamali's work is documented in two volumes, "Mystical Expressionism" and "Mystical Expressionism — Dreams and Works". Jamali launched Mardan Publishing, Inc., which offers limited edition artist proofs of his works as well as catalogs showcasing these prints and publications.
Business.
The artist is represented internationally, and owns and operates three galleries of his own. He is self-represented in four galleries in the United States.
Jamali Gallery (New York City).
The Jamali Gallery in the SoHo district of New York City was established in 2006. The gallery offers regular events and exhibitions of the artist's work. It is in the historic Kochendorfer Building.
Jamali Fine Art.
Jamali's flagship operation is Jamali Fine Art in Winter Park, Florida. This is the operational core of Art and Peace, Inc., Mardan Publishing, Inc., and Jamali Fine Art, L.L.C. This location contains a gallery marketplace and an administrative center with amenities such as a scanner, plotter, and an art studio for Jamali.
Jamali Gallery (Fort Lauderdale).
The Jamali Gallery in Fort Lauderdale is on the popular shopping street Las Olas Boulevard.
Jamali Gallery (Miami).
Jamali's Miami location is in the Brickell City Centre; it opened in mid-2018.
Solo Exhibitions.
Jamali has held over 100 one-man shows in the U.S. Selected exhibitions include: