ISLAMABAD: In a workshop in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, sculptor Ehtisham Jadoon transforms scrap metal into striking works of art.
Towering sculptures of wild animals, mythical creatures, and intricate forms reflect his journey from uncertainty to self-expression.
Jadoon’s artistic path was not always clear. “I didn’t know what my passion was,” he admitted in an interview published on Dawn.com.
For 35 years, he explored different hobbies such as martial arts and mountain biking before finding his true calling in art.
“I learned that all my energy could be poured into creating these forms,” he says, revealing his lack of formal art training. Before sculpture, Jadoon worked alongside his sister in her textile business and even dabbled in construction.
“My art is hard”
Working with metal, particularly through welding, is an intense, dangerous process. “I get injured every couple of weeks,” Jadoon laughs, though he sees these challenges as part of his journey. “My art is hard, but there’s something unique about it.”
His creations, an ibex with rusted horns, a lion made of steel cables, and a T rex with gears for guts, are just some examples of what happens when vision meets perseverance. For him, the creative process isn’t about sketching out every detail. “I don’t plan; I just start welding,” he says. Each piece can take 2,000 to 3,000 hours to complete, often undergoing multiple remakes as he works to refine his vision.
His sculptures, which can weigh up to two tonnes, carry a personal weight. The larger-than-life T rex, inspired by Jurassic Park, is a striking example of his ambition. It standing 12 feet tall and made of intricately shaped scales. Yet, for Jadoon, art is more than just form; it’s about collaboration and uplifting others.
“These sculptures are the voices of everyone who helped me create them,” he explains. Through his work, Jadoon not only builds physical art but fosters hope, providing jobs and skills to those he works with.
Nature and urban decay
Inspiration strikes from both nature and the urban decay around him. Growing up in Abbottabad, Jadoon recalls the pristine beauty of the area, which has since been lost to urban sprawl.
While his sculptures have found a niche market, Jadoon’s mission extends beyond the elite. He wants his art to be accessible, especially to those in underdeveloped areas. “Art can be a source of hope,” he believes, a message he hopes to spread across the country. For Jadoon, sculpting isn’t just a profession, it’s a mission to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the strength of the Pakistani people.
