Sparks fly, and metal groans inside a sprawling workshop on the outskirts of Islamabad, where Pakistani artist Ehtisham Jadoon transforms discarded car parts into massive sculptures inspired by the Transformers franchise and prehistoric dinosaurs.
The 35-year-old sculptor fills his studio with cogs, chains, hubcaps, and engine parts, reshaping them into towering creations. His latest masterpiece — a 14-foot model of Optimus Prime — stands as his biggest work to date.
“I have always been fascinated by metal objects,” Jadoon told AFP. “When I see metals in scrap, I imagine forms in which they could be utilized.”
From Scrap to Spectacle
Jadoon and his team spent months welding and reshaping discarded vehicle components to build Optimus Prime. More than 90 percent of the sculpture comes from scrap metal.
He crafted the arms from motorbike springs and gears, shaped the shoulders from car rims, molded the spine from a fuel tank, and assembled the knees using chains and suspension parts. He even designed the character’s eyes from vehicle bearings, creating a striking and lifelike finish.
The workshop also houses other colossal pieces, including a steel-maned lion and a giant Tyrannosaurus rex made entirely from salvaged metal.
Self-Taught Visionary
Jadoon, a former martial artist and steel fabricator, never received formal art training. He designs his large-scale sculptures spontaneously, relying on imagination and experience.
“Whenever I see an object, I visualize a form,” he said. “I imagine a block transforming into a shape, then I solve the puzzle and bring it to life.”
His physically demanding craft comes at a cost. He visits a doctor almost weekly to treat burns and eye irritation caused by welding sparks. Despite the risks, he says metal sculpting allows him to channel the intensity and discipline he developed as a fighter.
Giving Waste a Second Life
Each week, Jadoon tours scrapyards across Islamabad, searching through heaps of discarded metal to find pieces that match his vision.
Scrapyard owner Bostan Khan praised his work, saying, “What is waste to us becomes something valuable in his hands. It’s incredible to witness.”
Through his larger-than-life creations, Jadoon not only showcases artistic innovation but also highlights the power of recycling, turning industrial waste into awe-inspiring works of art.