Shahzia Sikander Analysis

Superior Essays
Contemporary art is often defined as the work of artists that are living in the period of the 21st century. This specific type of at often mirrors the culture and society and provides a vast resource that allows for contemplation of current social ideas as well as a new way to view familiar ideas. The works of art that are often created by contemporary artists represent a dynamic combination of various types of subjects, methods, concepts, and different materials. The use of these ideals often challenges contemporary traditions as well as often defies an easy definition. This unique type of art is known to be eclectic and diverse. It is often distinguished by a lack of structure or uniform way of organizing the information. It also lacks ideology, …show more content…
She was born in 1969 in Pakistan. She obtained an MFA degree from Rhode Island School of Design. She specializes in unique Asian cultural aspects specifically from Persian and Indian origin. She used a painting style of miniature painting which is a traditional style. She is an expert in this painting technique which is highly stylized and disciplined. Sikander is well known for blending her Eastern focus on precision and methodology with a Western emphasis on creative, subjective expression… impersonal art form, she imbued it with a personal context and history.” ( http://www.art21.org/artists/shahzia-sikander). Through her unique style of painting, she transported the concepts of miniature painting into the realm of the contemporary art world. She also used her religious identity as a Muslim to explore opposite sides of the Hindu and Muslim boundary. She worked hard to incorporate imagery and symbols from both of these religions. I picked Shahzia Sikander artwork called Maligned Monsters II. Shahzia Sikander takes the classic art of Indo-Persian paintings and blends it with the art of the present day. Sikander combines Hindu and Muslim culture, myths, and gods from both religions into her art. This piece, Maligned Monsters II, portrays two individuals, entwined by a pose. The name refers to the distinguished book by historian Partha Mitter, Much Maligned

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