A new group art exhibition in New Delhi focuses on traditional styles of painting associated with miniatures in South Asia. The exhibition features a group of 20 artists from Europe, North America, Ecuador, South Asia and West Asia who interpret Indian aesthetics in contemporary global contexts.

“The idea is to capture the many layers of miniature art today, focusing on its pluralistic associations that transcend geographical boundaries, cultures and subject matter. It is also about moving beyond the idea of ​​its mere revival and starting a dialogue around its evolution and dynamic nature,” explains Khushboo Jain, curator of the exhibition.

Khushboo’s years growing up in Jaipur, a city renowned for its rich miniature art tradition, and the preservation of this art form in books and temple art deeply inspired her to curate the exhibition. In addition, the lectures and writings of art critic and historian BN Goswami also had a great influence. “I have long felt a gap in representation and scholarship on miniatures, especially in India. There is incredible depth to both its historical and contemporary aspects, and through my practice, I hope to continue to uncover and share these layers,” she adds.

Trinidadian artist Anneli Solis’ vibrant, dreamy works revolve around spirituality and cosmology. While his general charts are based on Western astrology, one of his most interesting works is the Natal Chart of India which he created after studying Vedic astrology. “My work is as much an expression of my cultural heritage as it is my human heritage,” she says.

myriad topics

The artwork of Canadian-born artist Kirat Kaur, an architect of Sikh-Punjabi descent, combines themes of Sikh spirituality, nutrition and cultural heritage using vivid symbolism and calligraphy. While ‘Langar’ celebrates the Sikh tradition of providing food as a divine gift, ‘Krikhi’ depicts farming as a metaphor for spiritual cultivation, and ‘Self Taught’ honors the resilience of those Punjabi women Who reused everyday tools to educate themselves. She elaborates, “Taking inspiration from Sikh philosophy, I love to use the art of metaphor and symbolism to revolutionize our relationship with nature and spirituality.”

‘The Turning World II’ painting by Linda Edwards. He has used gold leaf and watercolor on paper. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Linda Edwards’ ‘Running to Paradise’. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Linda Edwards celebrates the natural world – the sun, the moon, animals and birds. Using gold leaf and watercolor on paper, she carries on a centuries-old tradition. “Symmetry, spirals and geometry in nature are extremely fascinating; They are calming and reassuring in a world that is becoming increasingly chaotic,” says Edwards.

Jethro Buck’s moon painting. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Jethro Buck’s work, an ode to master miniaturist Ajay Sharma, brings a magical element inspired by Belgian artist René Magritte’s ubiquitous moon paintings. He added, “In an increasingly busy world, miniature painting is my sanctuary.”

based on seasons

Murad Khan’s paintings focus on those traces of traditional culture that are disappearing in the materialistic landscape of contemporary life. His current series of four paintings is based on the changing seasons. Often presented using natural colors and handmade paper, her art is calming and contemplative.

SM Khayyam explores the interplay between visibility and hiddenness through Sufi symbolism, focusing on the blue lapis lazuli halo that represents divine radiance and wisdom. In one of his works, ‘The Essence of Oneness’, a golden lotus flower symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening. The piece highlights the balance between the visible and the invisible. Dubai-based artist Maha Ahmed’s works highlight the shift in identity that comes with becoming a mother. The animals in her works come from research on qualities she felt she needed to embrace herself.

Integration of nature and modern storytelling

Ayesha Gamiette reinterprets Persian and Indian traditions while integrating nature and modern storytelling in her works. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Furthermore, Amaranta Peña explores her Andean heritage through symbolic artworks that reflect duality and interconnectedness with nature. Ayesha Gamiette reinterprets Persian and Indian traditions while integrating nature and modern storytelling. Divya Pamnani has blended traditional techniques with contemporary motifs to explore Ragamala painting. Using vibrant colors and traditional techniques, Mahavir Swami specializes in Hindu mythological subjects. Vaishali Prajmari has reinterpreted the story of ‘1001 Nights’ through miniatures.

On the relevance of miniature paintings in contemporary times, Anubhav Nath, curatorial director of Ojas Art, said that small format paintings are an integral part of Indian painting and have played an important role in the understanding and development of artistic practices. “They were used for documentation purposes and their relative ease of travel and storage made them even more popular. Today, artists around the world are practicing this South Asian art form and taking it to new heights by incorporating many elements that comment on contemporary issues, life and society,” says Anubhav.

‘Musawari: Miniature Today’ is running till November 24 at Ojas Art, 1AQ, Near Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi.