Manoeuvering Miniatures

Manoeuvering Miniatures is a highly coded and deeply provocative exhibition. Alternatively satirical, political, witty and subversive, this small but tightly curated exhibition simultaneously delights and provokes.

In January 2001, I was privileged to attend the open studio and seminar of the Vasl International Artists’ workshop in Karachi, organized by artists in Pakistan. This was my first personal encounter with contemporary artists working in such a nuanced manner in the medium of miniature painting and it seemed most urgent that this work be seen here in India – a country which shares many overlaps in tradition with Pakistan including this ‘grand’ tradition of the miniature.

The opportunity presented itself soon enough. As we planned a network meeting of artists and curators from South Asia / Asia in Delhi, it seemed an opportune time to present this exhibition which raises several pertinent questions of ‘tradition’ and ‘authenticity’, of cultural stereotyping vis a vis the international gaze and other such issues within contemporary art practice not only in Pakistan but in the entire region. This exhibition will, no doubt, contribute hugely to the critical dialogue we are hoping to develop within the region.

I would like to thank Virginia Whiles, art historian and curator, whom we were fortunate to be able to invite to curate this exhibition for us as, also Salima Hashmi for her invaluable assistance, without whom this exhibition would never have been possible; many thanks to Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of the Jindal Art Foundation for her generous offer to sponsor this catalogue but most of all the artists in Pakistan for their enthusiasm and commitment to making this exhibitor possible.

Given the particularly troubled climate after September 11, there is now more than ever the need to establish connections; despite the differences and vulnerabilities, there is a need to focus on mutual concerns.

Pooja Sood
Coordinator, KHOJ International Artists’ Workshop
October 2001