Liaqat Rasul was born to Pakistani parents in Wrexham, North Wales, in February 1974. From 1995 to 1999, he attended the University of Derby, England, obtaining a BA (Hons) in Fashion Studies with a specialisation in textiles. A notable aspect of Rasul’s artistic practice involves partnering with charities and non-profit organisations to conduct workshops and creative training sessions.
Contemporary artist, Liaqat Rasul was born to Pakistani parents in Wrexham, North Wales, in February 1974. He self-identifies as a ‘Gay Welsh Pakistani Dyslexic Collage Artist’ (Liaqat Rasul Social Media Profile, 2023). His art education began at the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education, Wrexham, Wales, where he studied from 1992 to 1993. Later, from 1995 to 1999, he attended the University of Derby, England, obtaining a BA (Hons) in Fashion Studies with a specialisation in textiles. His graduating collection was purchased by the renowned department store Liberty’s in London. During his studies, he participated in an exchange programme (1997–98) at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, India. Post graduation, Rasul managed the enterprise Ghulam Sakina for a decade, specialising in textile apparel. However, when Ghulam Sakina ceased operations in 2009, Liaqat embarked on a journey of self-discovery. During this period, he worked at a pub on Carey Street, Holborn, concurrently exploring various art exhibitions and public artworks. In 2017, he initiated a new phase in his career, creating collages for friends. This artistic practice continued to evolve, and in 2021, he undertook a creative residency at the Crafts Council, London, delving into the concept of ‘rewilding’.
A notable aspect of Rasul’s artistic practice involves partnering with charities and non-profit organisations to conduct workshops and creative training sessions, often with a focus on mental health. For instance, in 2022, he undertook several activities such as creating an artwork titled Friendship NGO for ‘Friendship’, a Bangladeshi NGO catering to marginalised communities. In addition, he led workshops at the Crafts Council, London; the National Society for Education in Art & Design, Corsham, WIltshire; and Hospital Rooms, London. The latter is a charity with the aim of transforming NHS mental health hospitals through contemporary art. His collaborations also extended to Mental Fight Club, London, an organisation that facilitates events for diverse mental health experiences. Rasul’s commitment to art education also led to his conducting workshops in well-known galleries. In 2022, he held a workshop at the Barbican Centre, London, drawing inspiration from the exhibition Rebel Rebel by Iranian-born British artist Soheila Sokhanvari. Additionally, in 2023, he conducted a creative workshop at the inaugural Artist-Teacher in Adult Community Learning Conference, Norwich.
Rasul consistently produces collages and fibre works, reflecting his enduring fascination with various ephemera - ranging from travel tickets to old scraps of paper. He delights in their textures and unique presentations. The appeal of these items transcends their surface characteristics and includes their potential for manipulation - their foldability, malleability, and aptness for perforation. Rasul employs basic, tactile tools such as scissors, scalpel, tapes, and pencils, opting for spontaneity over complex technology. Despite being UK-born, his work is heavily influenced by the 12 years he spent living in India, as well as the diverse experiences garnered from urban London life. This fusion of cultures, surroundings, and individuals shapes Rasul’s collages, which are characteristically playful in creation and vivid in colour. He envisions viewers as collaborators, which is crucial to the artwork’s completion. Thus, the narrative arc of his artwork concludes not in isolation but in a shared experience with the viewer. His approach of mixing education with a viewer-first approach is evident in the way he envisioned his 2021 residency: ‘I want there to be an educational and interactive element, because it’s not just about what happens in that space at that time, it's about what happens outside that space when they leave,’ (Crafts Council).
As of 2023, Liaqat Rasul lives and works in London. His work is not currently represented in any UK public collections. He is a member of NSEAD (National Society for Education in Art & Design), the professional body supporting art educators. In 2023 he will participate in the British Textile Biennial in Blackburn in the exhibition Fragments of Our Time , featuring 17 international South Asian artists, curated by Uthra Rajgopal.
Consult items in the Ben Uri archive related to [Liaqat Rasul]
Publications related to [Liaqat Rasul] in the Ben Uri Library