More Art than Science

Dr. Adil Akhtar’s Art

Born and raised under adversarial political and economic conditions in his native Pakistan, Adil Akhtar knew early on that he would have to work very hard and study long hours through many years of schooling to help provide for his family’s well-being. Against all odds, Adil did just that, eventually earning his medical degree and relocating to the United States to pursue a medical practice in the mid-west. Recognized as a highly competent, knowledgeable, sensitive and caring physician in the fields of oncology, hospice care, palliative and internal medicine. Dr. Akhtar is the Chief of Clinical Operations at the Beaumont Health Care System Cancer Center. Dr. Adil Akhtar is a favorite among his patients and their families for his knowledge, expertise, dedication and compassion. Few who know him as a physician would realize there is another side to the good doctor in which he is equally passionate and prolific.

As the artist, Adil Akhtar is able to throw aside all conventions and allow his creative spirit to have free reign. Heavily influenced by the Abstract Expressionist movement, Akhtar enjoys immersing himself in his work, and is often found dancing on his canvases while painting, thus becoming an integral part of his work.

Still haunted by many of his childhood memories, as well as deeply affected by the current political scene, Akhtar believes art should be relevant, identifiable on a personal level and it should represent the era in which it has been created. Thus, his paintings reflect the mood of the times and capture what is happening around him, as well as reflecting issues he feels strongly about. For example, recent works reflect the 9/11 tragedy as well as subjects related to child labor, Pakistan, the universe and aquatics.

Adil Akhtar competed in ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2010, where his piece, We Are Looking for a New World, was exhibited at the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum. His 2011 Exhibitions have included: ArtExpo New York; The American Airlines Admiral’s Club at LaGuardia Airport in NYC; Lake Placid Celebration of the Arts and Red Dot Miami.

Adil Akhtar’s “Artist’s Statement”

Art is an expression for which the canvas is only a medium

For Adil Akhtar, the medium is less important than the expression. Using acrylics on unprimed canvas, Akhtar spreads the raw canvas on the floor of his studio and then walks or dances on the canvas while painting, thus becoming a part of the whole painting. I become part of the whole scene.

Adil is an avid student of art history and a fan of Post Impressionist painters like Van Gogh and Picasso. Historically, art used to be important to us, but it has disengaged itself from our society. Adil would like for that to change.

Adil’s art includes paintings that reflect relevant subjects close to his heart: child labor, the universe, Pakistan, aquatics and politics. His work was exhibited at the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in September 2010 as part of the ArtPrize Competition, as well as at ArtExpo New York in March 2011. Other recent exhibitions include: The American Airlines Admiral’s Club at LaGuardia Airport in NYC; Lake Placid Celebration of the Arts and Red Dot Miami 2011. He is represented by Jayson Samuel. ■