Truck Art In Pakistan
The truck art Pakistan refers to the paintings and hanging decoration pieces that are used to modify the look of a vehicle that is used to carry goods from one place to another. This has become a tradition with the course of time to beautify the appearance of trucks so that they can have that cultural look which has already became the identity of Pakistan. Truck art Pakistan is known for its uncommon designs and are globally famous now. They are just so unique in their identity that it became a Pakistani heritage.
You will know each and every relevant detail in this blog that you need to know about how and when it started and why is it one of the most recognized handicraft of Pakistan. Later, you will have no need to do any kind of research on the popular truck art of this region.
Historical Background
There used to be no concept of any truck art since the old ages but in 1920s when the Bedford trucks came to the South Asian streets in the rule of Britain they introduced the decorative trucks with the crowns. Later in 1950s this attracted the eye of the intellectual artist Hajji Hussain.
These colorful trucks of Pakistan were named “phool patti” which is now called the “jingle trucks” in USA as they also have jingling bells all around them as a part of decoration which literally makes a jingle (heavy metallic) sound when they are headed on the roads. Surprisingly, the term “jingle trucks” was a slang that American military gave to these trucks when they were mostly seen around Afghanistan.
Regional Variations
Pakistan is based on two main categories of region where the trucks also go through the variations due to the cultural differences. The Pashtun side of Pakistan focuses more on the wooden style trucks while trucks from Islamabad and Rawalpindi are mostly based on the plastic features.
And the decors may also vary according to the interest and vision of the people because not all of them prefer the same type of designs and manufacturing. The trucks may seem similar to each other but the regional variations may be noticeable when looked at closely. Pakistani folk art is different in all regions but when combined they form an alluring tradition which has been alive for ages.
Techniques & Materials
Art and Craft is not just unique because it looks exceptional but it is discovered through the whole long process of creation and the techniques and methods that are chosen are as unique as the art itself. When these words are applied on the truck art Pakistan, it makes sense that how enthusiastically the worker and artist make it an artistic triumph.
There are loads of characteristics of truck art in Pakistan for instance you can look over to geometric and organic patterns, murals and landscapes, portraits and folktale characters, that are all made using embossed metal and wood carvings along with the inventive and creative calligraphy. Even the painted imagery is unique than the others. Floral designs, beautiful landscapes and animal and birds. They also add up some quotes or even verses from distinct poems.
Cultural Significance
It might not look like it holds so much potential but it unexpectedly does. It holds too much significance in Pakistani culture that is solely is able to represent the different cultural aspects of the country. Pakistan is the place that has lots of cultures combined and they use different handicraft items and handmade stuff that is always so much classy and holds a lot of folktales and attractive patterns.
People use them to communicate with the dissimilar cultural. With these diligently made items it becomes to identify the culture and creed. These jingling trucks are one of those visual signs that gives the aesthetics of freedom of speech and expression, the unusual art of storytelling, symbols of old traditions and popular cultural heritages and also folk art.
Modern Influence & Global Recognition
The truck art Pakistan has become a globally famous traditional phenomenon and now it also gets the opportunity to be on the gallery exhibitions and miniature art pieces display. As Pakistani people decorate trucks in a very vibrant manner, these trucks got their identity in the world as somewhat the part of the cultural and traditional heritage. People come to see these handcrafted Pakistani goods and vehicles from all over the world. Which are being used for multiple purposes under the influences of modern businesses and undated era. Top five analyzed ways in which trucks are being influenced by the modern ages are as follows;
- Cross-Cultural Influence:- Exceeding globalization of the cultures to be interconnected is making truck arts to start integrating the western pop culture into their art in a way like painting movie characters merged into the truck art.
- Commercialization:- The brands have started to collaborate with these truck owner to help them in branding their logo and advertise them along with the truck art. This sponsored truck helps them in branding as it keeps moving from city to city.
- Incorporation of New Material:- New materials like fluorescent paints, small LED lights, metal elements and 3D components are being used in the truck these days as it is the demand of the modern aesthetic to make it eye-catchy and vibrant enough to enhance visibility and the texture to prevent danger and damage that can be caused.
- Technological Tools:- Old traditional handicrafts were made all with natural and handmade efforts but now the technology and culture is evolved so is the folky methods of creation. Some of the truck artists use the advances airbrush technology to do all the complex design and it tends to be faster than traditional hand-paintings.
- Changing Aesthetics:- truck art is basically known for its dense layers of designs and imagery but in this era some of them are changing their aesthetics and becoming a lot more sleek and minimalist is design which doesn’t look bad though. Overall, this blend of old craftsman and modern demands has created even better diverse and intricate textures of designing.
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Conclusion
Truck art Pakistan are really vibrant and a very unique blend of folky craftsmanship and truck paintings. They are considered to be much more than just cultural aesthetics and heritage. They have become a medium of expression, commercialization, vehicle murals other than just being a decorative Pakistani heritage. Modern influences might have shaped an evolution in them but the traditional truck art is still the center of charm. As a living art form, they are a literal example of how the art thrives and captivates both locally and internationally with its paintings, colors and deep cultural worth.
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