Tag Archives: Wajid Khan – Artist – Madhya Pradesh

Wajid Khan: An artist’s unique obsession with Mahatma Gandhi

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MADHYA PRADESH :

Wajid Khan Artist with the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi he made with nails.

Few artists are as passionately obsessed with Mahatma Gandhi as Wajid Khan, whose love and reverence for Gandhi manifest in extraordinary ways through his art. Wajid’s devotion to the Father of the Nation is evident not only in the subjects of his artwork but also in the innovative techniques he uses to create them. Whether by assembling nails, arranging goggles, or using other unconventional materials, Wajid Khan’s portrayal of Gandhi is a testament to his deep admiration.

Gandhi ji art by Wajid Khan #shorts

Wajid Khan  a multifaceted artist—a portraitist, sculptor, inventor, and patent holder—known for pushing the boundaries of traditional art. He specializes in creating intricate works of art using unconventional materials such as iron nails, bullets, metal, stones, automobile parts, medical equipment, iron rods, and more. His passion for creativity is boundless, and his art often reflects his deep emotions and thoughts about the world and the figures who have shaped it.

Among his many talents, Wajid’s ability to carve canvases using iron nails has garnered international acclaim. His work has earned him places in prestigious records such as the Guinness Book of World Records, Limca Book of Records, and Asia Book of Records. His artistic prowess is admired from Mumbai to Dubai, captivating both art connoisseurs and the general public with his exceptional nail art.

Although Wajid has made portraits of numerous iconic personalities, including Indira Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Dhirubhai Ambani, and Nelson Mandela, his fascination with Mahatma Gandhi stands out. His first portrait, fittingly, was of Gandhi—a powerful expression of his love and passion for the man who led India to independence. Wajid meticulously used thousands of iron nails to craft this portrait, each nail symbolizing the unwavering dedication and perseverance Gandhi embodied throughout his life.

Wajid’s connection to Gandhi goes beyond artistic inspiration. His admiration for Gandhi stems from the values of patience and truth that Gandhi represented. “There are many qualities in Gandhiji that impressed me deeply,” Wajid shared in an interview. “His power of patience and his commitment to truth are what stand out the most. For me, those who hold onto patience and never lie are truly great individuals.”

One of the moments that left an indelible mark on Wajid was when he visited a museum and saw letters written by Gandhi in which the leader openly admitted his mistakes. “It takes a big heart to admit one’s mistakes in public,” Wajid reflected. “I greatly admire Gandhi’s patience and steadfastness.”

Wajid’s connection to Gandhi also has personal roots. He fondly recalls stories from his grandfather, who would attend Gandhi’s meetings during the freedom movement in India. “My grandfather used to tell us about the time when he was very young and would participate in Gandhi’s meetings. Enthusiastic crowds would gather to listen to Gandhi, and when they returned, they were always calm and composed,” Wajid recounted. The calm demeanor Gandhi inspired in his followers left a profound impact on Wajid, influencing both his life and his art.

In one of his most ambitious projects, Wajid demonstrated the extent of his dedication to honoring Gandhi. He organized an event where 6,000 people were gathered in a stadium, carefully arranged in a formation that created a massive portrait of Gandhi. This live depiction showcased not only Wajid’s artistic genius but also his ability to bring people together to celebrate Gandhi’s legacy.

Wajid Khan’s artistic journey is a remarkable blend of creativity, innovation, and an unyielding devotion to Gandhi’s principles. Through his portraits, sculptures, and inventive techniques, he continues to keep the spirit of Gandhi alive, inspiring others with the same values of patience, truth, and perseverance that Gandhi embodied.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Syed Zubair Ahmad / October 02nd, 2024

Artist Wajid Khan making India’s tallest Swami Vivekanand statue

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Indore, MADHYA PRADESH :

International artist Wajid Khan, famous for his ‘iron nail art’, is making the tallest statue of Swami Vivekanand in India that would be installed in Uttar Pradesh.

International artist Wajid Khan, famous for his ‘iron nail art’, is making the tallest statue of Swami Vivekanand in India that would be installed in Uttar Pradesh. The statue made of ashtdhatu (alloy) will be 170-feet tall and will be installed either in Lucknow or Agra, said Khan.

He said the statue will be completed in six months. Khan is here to take part in the four-day International Art Festival being organised at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Though Wajid Khan has not studied in any university or college, he has made a mark for himself by his craftsmanship in metal statue making. He is also making a sculpture for FIFA 2022 to be held in Qatar. The project will take five years to complete.

“A 40-feet statue of Swami Vivekanand is installed in Kolkata and that is his tallest statue. Now, the work on making his 170-feet statue has started in Indore,” said Khan.

“The project is being financed by some businessmen from UP, Delhi and Gujarat. They will decide on the place where the statue will finally be installed. As of now, the first preference is Lucknow and the second is Agra. Due to any reason, if the statue is not installed these cities, the third option will be Delhi,” he added.

“The statue is being made from eight metals including iron, zinc and copper. For the time, the total cost of the statue cannot be revealed,” he said.

Wajid Khan said he is also making a 10×8 ft statue of British Queen Elizabeth, which will be installed at the Royal Palace in London.

Khan has embarked upon a new venture. A proposed retro Bhopal city will be established in 40 acres area in Bhopal and the artist will give it a 2,000 years old look. The project is being financed by some businessmen.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Cities> Lucknow / by Pradeep Saxena, Hindustan Times,Aligarh / March 15th, 2018

Sunday Guest – His work not education gives him a decent life

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Indore , MADHYA PRADESH :

WajidKhanMPOs20mar2018

Indore :

Proving that school education is not the only way to success, artist Wajid Khan, whose studied up to Standard IV  in the MP Board Examination, earns lakhs of rupees by selling his paintings.

Sharing his success story, he said, “I never enjoyed reading or writing, instead working with real objects and machines.” Born with a silver spoon, he had never imagined living on footpath.

“Unfortunately, when I could not clear Class V board examination, my parents kicked me out,” Khan said. He elaborated that his mother Roshanara had given him Rs 1300 and told him to become successful and make her proud.

Walking 13 km near the railway track from his village Songiri to Mandsaur railway station, he was scared and paranoid about being robbed. “Then, I saw the bright moon shinning ahead, and it was my silver lining,” Khan said.

Taking the first train from Mandsaur, he reached Ahmedabad. “I lived on footpath there and started a small business of buying and selling old clothes,” Khan said.

Investing his talent using scrap material, he tried to make something useful. “Finally, after a number of attempts, I was able to make a small replica of an iron,” Khan said.

His inventions caught attention of engineering students, who connected him to their guide Prof Anil Gupta. “Gupta suggested me to become artist and advised me to shift to Indore,” Khan said.

He explained that Indore is the ‘city of success’, where people accept new ideas and promote them. “Again, I was living on footpath in Indore, when someone gave me an opportunity to live in his store room as care taker,” Khan said.

With a small income and place to stay, he started working on his art work. “I had been visiting my hometown frequently then, and during one of the trips, I picked up a box of nails from there,” Khan said.

Using those nails, he decided to make a portrait of Gandhi. “I started making that painting with my helpers in 2007, which I completed in 2010,” Khan said.

The painting was sold for Rs 20 lakh. “Further, I invested in other paintings and continued making portraits of famous people,” Khan said.

After a few years, his parents arranged his marriage with Maryam Siddiqui, who was an artist as well. “My paintings got the missing detailing touch from Maryam,” Khan said.

Sharing his philosophy, Khan quoted the importance of doing what you love. “I did not study, but I did something that makes me happy, and that is why I am successful,” Khan said.

source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home> Indore> Sunday Guest / by Tina Khatri / September 25th, 2016