Interdisciplinary and Multimedia Approaches to Literary Criticism: Visualizing the Narratives of Progressive Writers Pash, Ismat Chughtai, and Saadat Hasan Manto

This paper explores the intersection of visual art and literary expression through a series of illustrated artworks inspired by the lives and works of prominent South Asian literary figures— Pash, Ismat Chughtai, and Saadat Hasan Manto. These writers, known for their revolutionary ideas, fearless critique of societal norms, and evocative portrayals of human realities, are celebrated through portraits infused with abstract visual elements, bold color palettes, and carefully selected verses from their writings. The study examines the artistic process, including the integration of diverse influences such as Neo-Expressionism, Fauvism, and Postmodern art, alongside digital techniques to create compositions that resonate with the themes of revolution, nostalgia, and resilience central to these writers' legacies. Key objectives include analyzing the relationship between illustrated artwork and literary narratives, the symbolic use of color and composition, and the potential of multimedia approaches in creating thought-provoking and emotionally resonant artworks. The findings emphasize that not all artistic styles suit such profound subjects; instead, extensive experimentation, rule-breaking, and multimedia integration are vital to achieving impactful results. The overwhelmingly positive response to the artwork underscores the importance of interdisciplinary methods in preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage. This study contributes to the broader discourse on the convergence of art and literature, demonstrating how visual storytelling can honor literary traditions while engaging contemporary audiences in meaningful conversations about societal issues, artistic freedom, and cultural identity.