studio asah

Shahzia Sikander grew up in Pakistan, surrounded by a progressive family who encouraged her to pursue a professional career. After graduating with a BFA in miniature painting at the National College of Arts in Lahore, Sikander got her MFA at Rhode Island School of Design. She rose to international acclaim quickly, starting out in survey exhibitions—at the Hirshorn (1999) for example—before showing in the Venice Biennale (2005) and moving on to her own solo exhibitions such as a recent show at the MAXXI in Rome (2016). Her work surrounds ideas about transcultural identity and hybridity and is sourced largely from Hindu/Islamic art history and the artist’s own experiences. Her medium of choice differs greatly: ranging from intensely detailed paintings on paper to abstracted digital animations.

I see my relation to her practice in several ways. First, I too find that references to old stories are strangely fitting to my personal experiences and make interesting art. Second, she is a very detail oriented artist, a trait I see in myself but want to develop more. Third, she loves to mix media which I enjoy as well -especially when mixing material and digital processes. Last, her work is aesthetically beautiful but also speaks about issues she cares about. This balance is something I am looking for in my own practice.

To see documentation of one of her amazing solo shows click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=08_tvoYypJI

Although a little dated, this piece by Moma places Sikander squarely in the contemporary art conversation alongside artists Janine Antoni and Kara Walker: https://www.moma.org/documents/moma_catalogue_175_300102453.pdf

Week 2 of my daily compositions. Still trying to catch up on the digital illustration posters but one incorporating all these elements is coming soon!