Bas-relief Sculpture by Artist Khalil Najmi

Bas-relief is a form of sculpture in which a solid piece of material is carved so that objects project from a background, almost as though they are trapped in the stone, metal, wood, or other materials used to make the bas-relief. This carving technique is quite ancient, and it has been used independently in many cultures from Mesoamerica to India. Numerous very beautiful examples of bas-relief can be seen in museums, and also at a variety of archaeological sites.

Khalil Najmi is a multi-talented artist from Pakistan who carves portraits in Bas-relief. The quality of his work has received acceptance by the Pakistan Mint. The Mint has plans to use his services to design coins and medals bearing portraits and scenery for the Government of Pakistan.

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s personality has always inspired Khalil even when he was a small child. As a teenage artist, he remembers cutting out Aga Khan’s beautiful, smiling pictures and news items from newspapers and magazines as memorabilia. When he started carving portraits, he always wanted to pay his humble tribute to His Highness, by carving His Highness’s portrait and presenting that to him one day.

Khalil Najmi can be reached at : khalil_najmi_smc@yahoo.com, (92-302) 2190969.