Pakistani artist turns scrap into breathtaking sculptures

ISLAMABAD: In a sprawling workshop on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistani artist Ehtisham Jadoon is transforming discarded car parts into breathtaking sculptures inspired by movies and prehistoric creatures.

The 35-year-old’s creations include a steel-maned lion, a giant Tyrannosaurus rex, and a life-sized Optimus Prime, all crafted from scrap metal, chains, hubcaps, and engine components.

“Over 90 per cent of the Optimus Prime sculpture is made from discarded vehicle parts,” Jadoon explained.

“The arms are built from motorbike springs and gears, the shoulders are curved car rims, the spine is a fuel tank, and the knees are chains and suspension parts. Even the eyes are made from vehicle bearings.”

Jadoon says his work demonstrates that waste can be turned into art. Each piece is painstakingly welded, bent, and shaped, resulting in sculptures that are both massive and intricately detailed.

His workshop has attracted attention from art enthusiasts and collectors across Pakistan and abroad.

By blending imagination with engineering, Jadoon is carving out a unique place in Pakistan’s contemporary art scene.

“These sculptures are not just art—they are a statement,” he says. “They show that even discarded materials have value and can tell a story if treated with care and creativity.”