Feeling connected to other people and human nature itself has not only informed Hassan’s artistic endeavors, but his professional ones as well through his role with the Aga Khan University and Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. “I am a keen observer and my job has primarily been interacting with people who’ve encountered difficult situations in their lives,” explains Hassan. “I started writing my reflections on these encounters in Urdu, which were then published and that’s how I became a writer.”

Through his work, Hassan has first-hand knowledge of the enormous impact the Arts can have on society. “Art is a bold expression of society; it tells you many things about the thought process of people, about history, the depth of culture and social preferences,” notes Hassan.

As art inspires people, so too do people inspire art, especially for Hassan, whose art reflects the beauty around him and the diversity of human behaviour. “My art is my perspective; I am within that. It is not only narrative poetry, it is the culture of my world, the issues I’ve faced during my life, my experiences and my way of handling them and learning from them,” says Hassan.

For many artists, including Hassan, both the regional Jubilee Arts events and the International Arts Festival create a platform for them to display their talents. They also aid in the creation of diverse and innovative artist communities, which Hassan believes is incredibly important. “People who think differently about the same thing can still find commonality within differences of expression because it's the one thing that connects them all”  explains Hassan.

Jubilee Arts and the International Arts Festival provide an opportunity for artists, both budding and professional, to showcase their unique gifts . We encourage any and all artists within the Jamat to participate in this Diamond Jubilee programme. Follow the Jubilee Arts journey on the.ismaili/jubilee-arts.