‘Musawwari: Miniatures Today’, an exhibition in New Delhi highlights the relevance of miniature painting in modern times

A group of 20 artists interpret Indian aesthetics in a contemporary global context at the ‘Mussawari: Miniature Today’ art exhibition in New Delhi

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

“The idea is to capture the many layers of miniature art today, focussing on its pluralistic engagements that transcend geographical boundaries, cultures and subject matters. It is also about moving beyond the idea of its mere revival, and initiating a dialogue around its development and dynamic nature,” explains Khushboo Jain, the exhibition’s curator.

Khushboo’s growing up years 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. Further, lectures and writings by art critic and historian BN Goswamy were also a huge influence. “I’ve long felt a gap in miniatures’ representation and scholarship, especially within India. There’s incredible depth in both its historical and contemporary aspects, and through my practice, I hope to continue uncovering and sharing these layers,” she adds.

Trinidadian artist Annelie Solis’ vibrant, dreamlike works revolve around spirituality and cosmology. While her usual charts are based on Western astrology, one of her most interesting works is the Natal Chart of India that she created after studying Vedic astrology. “My work is a manifestation of my cultural heritage as much as it is of my human heritage,” she says.

The artwork of Canadian-born artist Keerat Kaur, an architect with Sikh-Punjabi roots, intertwines themes of Sikh spirituality, nourishment and cultural heritage, using vivid symbolism and calligraphy. While ‘Langar’ celebrates the Sikh tradition of providing food as a divine gift, ‘Krikhi’ reflects on farming as a metaphor for spiritual cultivation, and ‘Self Taught’ honours the resilience of Punjabi women who repurposed everyday tools to educate themselves. “Drawing from Sikh philosophies, I like to employ the art of metaphor and symbolism to revolutionise our relationship to nature and spirituality,” she elaborates.

Linda Edwards celebrates the natural world — the sun, the moon, animals and birds. Using gold leaf and watercolour on paper, she carries forward a tradition that is centuries old. “The symmetry, spirals and geometry in nature are endlessly fascinating; they are calming and reassuring in a world that is increasingly chaotic,” says Edwards.

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