Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi, the name behind ‘Shadows Are So Deep’ has proven his worth through art, once again. The brother of comedian Faisal Qureshi has been awarded the US Department of State International Medal of Arts, which will be presented at the biennial ceremony that will be held on January 12 in Washington DC.

Imran hails from Lahore. He is a master at reworking the painting style typical of Mughal courts to depict flora, fauna, body parts and calligraphic script. Following the bombing of his house in Lahore, he introduced the use of blood-red paint in his palette more, splattered or delicately drawn in works that contrast violence with beauty.

The award is given to artists who demonstrate an enduring commitment to the Arts in Embassies mission of cultural diplomacy through the visual arts and international cultural exchange.