As a fan of art that transcends cultural boundaries and challenges traditional narratives, I am utterly captivated by Hiba Schahbaz’s “Summer of Dragons” exhibition at Almine Rech. Her masterful blend of Eastern and Western iconography is nothing short of breathtaking, and her reinterpretation of mythological beings like dragons is a testament to the power of art in reshaping our understanding of history and symbolism.
Dragons are found in the mythology of nearly every civilization, from ancient Eastern art and Persian literature to medieval documents, films, and TV shows. Although they don’t exist in reality, dragons have been used as symbols of power, wisdom, and destruction since time immemorial. For Pakistani-American artist Hiba Schahbaz, dragons, along with other mythical creatures, continue to be a source of inspiration in her recent spiritual works displayed at Almine Rech.
Located at its London branch, the exhibition titled “Summer of Dragons” showcases a collection of 15 unique pieces created by Schahbaz. These works include watercolor on wood and tea-stained paper artworks that she personally constructs, as well as conventional oil paintings on linen canvases. Schahbaz, having been educated in Indo-Persian miniature painting at the National College of Art in Lahore, later pursued an MFA in painting from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. By combining Western and Eastern imagery, Schahbaz aims to reinterpret historical themes, such as depicting dragons not just as fearsome battle creatures, but also as protective beasts for women, and even anthropomorphically representing them as such in some of her paintings.
Elizabeth Fullerton, an art critic and historian, points out that the essence of Schahbaz’s artistic work lies in its hybrid nature. Her pieces combine vivid colors and intricate details, a product of years spent studying and perfecting her craft. As a shy individual during her youth, she found solace and self-expression in miniature painting, a form characterized by an emphasis on beauty and attention to detail, which she has used to develop her unique artistic voice.
As the fall draws near, Summer of Dragons will be on view until September 28, 2024.
Almine Rech
Broadbent House,
Grosvenor Hill, London W1K 3JH
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Hiba Schahbaz 🤍 (@hiba_schahbaz)
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2024-09-12 01:25