Art 21 | Shahzia Sikander
Shahzia Sikander is a Pakistani artist who specializes in the traditional style of miniature painting. She uses the technique to discuss contemporary topics and themes. In doing so, Sikander brought the traditional form of miniature painting to the contemporary art realm. She uses miniature painting to break tradition by questioning its relevance and using it to make meaning in new ways. Her large-scale installations represent this stacked perspective again with layers that reflect this methodical ritualistic precision that is characteristic of her work and process.
Thematically she discusses dualities and how they pertain to the female body, the Hindu goddess, and women’s identity. Sikander uses this veiling and revealing to suggest to viewers not to underestimate what’s behind the veil. Typically anything associated with Islam is oppression of women and terrorism. Sikander presents women’s identity through a new lens. The images become a type of visual memory. |
|
|
In the classroom: Students would be lead through a discussion of cultural representation, personal history and heritage. How individuals connect with their traditions and personal histories would be central. Students could then research an art form that is indicative of a culture with which they identify. Then, they could take elements from this type of making and incorporate contemporary themes related to representation.
|
