In Pakistan colourful, ornate trucks rumbling down roads & highways is a very common sight, & a dominant part of the country’s identity. Pakistani truck art is more than just cultural expression, it’s also a deeply rooted tradition A thread on Pakistani Truck art & its origins…
1/ Pakistani truck art has origins dating back to the 1920s, when Bedford trucks imported from England invaded the country’s streets. In the late 1940s, when trucks began long-haul journeys, each company designed ornate logos so that people would understand who owned the truck
2/ Over time these logos became increasingly ornate. They were badges of competition; the more flamboyant the design the better business became. In the 1950s Karachi became a hub of truck art—when Hajji Hussain, an artist known for his elaborate palace frescoes, settled in town
3/ Artist Hajji Hussain, was renowned for his enormous palace frescoes. After the Partition of India it was clear no more palaces were being made, so he relocated to Karachi and turned to decorating trucks. His lavish, floral, elaborate style propelled the genre a heart
4/ Decked in vibrant colours & bells, inscribed with romantic couplets, spiritual & political images, each truck tells a unique tale. But with the arrival of transportation companies, traditional truck art is becoming less common
5/ To decorate a truck, drivers can easily spend up to $2,500, which is two years’ salary. Truck art for many is more than a business expense; it’s also a ritual that harkens back to the Sufi tradition of painting shrines to carry religious favour - as a mark of gratitude
6/ Truck art is a way of gaining religious value, similar to the way Sufis decorate religious sites. Owners who decorate their trucks in this way hope that their trucks will remain stable on the road without breakdowns or accidents. An example of a painting of a Sufi saint…
7/ This truck features an image of Burāq. In Islām it is believed Buraq transported Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH) to heaven. In some traditions he became a steed with the head of a woman and the tail of a peacock…
8/ Truck art is connected to and reflect the Islamic values and beliefs of the painters and truck owners. This front face decor of a truck features the miniature of Masjid-e-Nabvi in the centre
9/ Some academics have suggested Pakistani truck art is also influenced by Mughal art and architecture. These frescoes from Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore reflect similar colours, patterns and compositions found in truck art
10/ Many truck painters belonged to long lines of artists who had worked in royal courts for generations. Their skills of painting murals, frescoes, decorating ceilings etc was used by them on the exterior of trucks. Frescoes from Wazir Khan Mosque
11/ In the 1960s, a strand of truck art in Pakistan began to incorporate politics… South American revolutionary, Che Guevara, on a truck A driver wipes off dust from the portrait of Ayub Khan which was originally painted on this truck in 1966
12/ Internationally renowned Karachi Artist Haider Ali uses truck art is a tool to brighten people’s mood & spread love & peace. He painted a portrait of George Floyd, who was murdered by police officers in Minneapolis - which led to Black Lives Matter protests around the globe
13/ The images and designs that appear on a Pakistani truck reflect the wishes of its owner and driver, but ultimately, the artists are the ones whose imagination dominates the truck art, and can convince the owner if they want
14/ The truck art details are meticulous and highly embellished with mirrors, bells and tassels…
15/ Amazing Pakistani truck art details… Image 1 - front of truck Image 2 - side of truck
16/ The interiors of Pakistani decorated trucks are equally as elaborate, with intricate decoration & design…
17/ At night the ornate trucks glow in the dark with luminous reflections from mirror works, embellishments and strategically placed patterned lights
18/ There are 5 distinct styles of trucks - Punjabi, with traditional designs has metal cowlings heavy metal work - Peshawari style is intermediate between both Punjabi & Swati styles - Swati style uses traditional swati woodwork in the form of carved wooden doors @MHuzaifaNizam
19/ - Balochi style is present on larger trucks and often employs chrome modifications on bumpers - Karachi style incorporates elements from all 4 previous styles to create a style that is unique in itself @MHuzaifaNizam
20/ Some Pakistani rickshaws are also elaborately decorated in the truck art style
21/ Truck art inspires design across the world, and is popular in Europe. Italian fashion giant Dolce & Gabbana in collaboration with Smeg launched a vividly colourful series of kitchenware, which looks almost like something a desi Pakistani truck artist would have created
22/ Karachi-based Truck artist Haider Ali was in the spotlight on social media for painting Nike sports shoes, decorated with floral ornaments, peacocks, and mascara-rimmed eyes
23/ Pakistani truck art has inspired artists and makers all over the world. Even truck art cakes! This spectacular creations was made by @uhmuhl
