In the world of art, Soraya Sikander stands as a luminary — one that breathes new life into the centuries-old tradition of miniature art. Her captivating exhibition ‘Cosmos’ at Avari, Karachi presents a collection that is rooted in the intricate tapestry of flora and fauna. Sikander’s work pays homage to the rich history of miniaturists while charting an innovative course in the contemporary art scene.

To understand the depth of Sikander’s impact, one must delve into the annals of miniature art history. The Mughal era saw the rise of masterful miniaturists like Ustad Mansur and Abul Hasan. These artists, with their meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture nature’s essence, laid the groundwork for the miniature tradition that Sikander navigates and explores.

Sikander’s ‘Cosmos’ collection showcases her distinct miniature style, which draws inspiration from the past while forging a contemporary narrative. The collection revels in the vibrant hues of nature, showcasing an evolved mastery of drawing that belies her years.

According to the curator Pomme Amina Gohar, the mythical allure of Sikander’s work, where birds and butterflies dance in whimsical intricacy, mirrors the enchanting tales spun by the miniaturists of old. In works like Sunset Butterflies and New Gold Beginnings, Sikander seamlessly blends the real and the imagined, creating a world suspended between abstraction and realism.

Soraya Sikander’s latest exhibition is a contemporary ode to the miniature tradition

As one moves through Sikander’s ‘Cosmos’, the impact of her large-scale florals and garden landscapes, such as The Conference of the Birds, The Garden of Delight, and Humming Birds become apparent. Here, the artist’s fascination with nature unfolds, capturing the complexities of development and the elemental forces that shape our world.

However, her paintings transcend mere replication and encapsulate a profound exploration of the growth and dynamism inherent in the natural world. Sikander uses butterflies as a symbol of harmony, affection and beauty because the multiple reflections in just one butterfly show a cycle of growth.

In the contemporary art landscape, Sikander stands as the torchbearer of a rich tradition. Her work not only pays homage to the aesthetics of flora and fauna but also delves into the deeper nuances of the natural world. Sikander’s ability to surprise herself during the creative process mirrors the untamed and unsettled nature she seeks to portray.

‘Cosmos’ is a blend of tradition and innovation. As Sikander’s brushstrokes echo the spirit of miniaturists past, they also carve out a distinct path forward. Her work is more than just a celebration of nature — it is an exploration of the timeless dialogue between the organic and the man-made, and serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of miniature art.

In Sikander’s hands, the tradition lives on — vibrant and ever-evolving.

‘Cosmos’ was on display at Avari Towers, Karachi from February 1-7, 2024

The writer is a Karachi-based journalist who writes about art and entertainment. She is also a media coordinator for the International Watercolour Society

Published in Dawn, EOS, February 11th, 2024