Ojas Art presents “Musawwari: Miniatures Today,” an exhibition on traditional styles of painting associated with miniatures in South Asia, curated by Khusboo Jain.
To understand miniature painting, one must begin with its name. According to Persian traditions, the term is musawwari, referring to the traditional style of painting associated with miniatures in South Asia. It was during the colonial period that this form of art became known as miniature painting. Throughout the history of musawwari, artists have acknowledged the skill and expression of their masters, integrating it into their own practice while allowing for new iconographies and innovations. Historically, the art form has been porous in nature, engaging in dialogue with non-Persianate elements, such as Chinese landscapes and Central Asian figures. This exchange has played a key role in developing the visual language of musawwari.
In a similar pattern, artists today have recognised the art form by linking contemporary iterations of the artform with its traditional forebears. Transcending geographical boundaries and intersecting cultures today, musawwri remains relevant through its pluralistic engagements. The exhibit features a diverse group of about 20 artists, from Europe, North America, Ecuador, South Asia, and the Middle East. They demonstrate a mutual influence, where Indian aesthetics are reinterpreted within contemporary global contexts, inturn, enriching the global art narrative.
“For over the centuries, the miniature art has symbolised many things: the vast wealth and power of those who commissioned the work; the impact of colonialism; and also of anti-colonialism, when adopted by artists as an indigenous artform. Today, it stands as a symbol of cultural resilience and creativity, serving as a springboard for contemporary artists to explore new ideas and narratives.” says Khushboo Jain, curator of Musawwari: Miniatures Today.
“In bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds, this exhibition showcases the enduring relevance of musawwari. It highlights how this intricate art form continues to inspire and evolve, transcending time and geography. Through these works, we see how tradition serves not as a constraint, but as a fertile ground for innovation and creative expression in today’s global art scene.”, notes Anubhav Nath, Curatorial Director of Ojas Art.
The exhibition seeks to move beyond the revival of miniature art, and invites a much deeper inquiry into its dynamic and ever-evolving nature today.
