(PALO ALTO, CA) March 25, 2009 – Aicon Gallery is pleased to exhibit a group of innovative young painters from Pakistan including Ayesha Durrani, Sumaira Tazeen and Waseem Ahmed. Trained in Mughal miniature traditions, these artists describe the realities of their contemporary lives with a visual poetry derived from these classical techniques.
The National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan, is among the foremost academic institutions keeping Mughal miniature painting alive. All of the artists in Love's Microcosm are graduates of the College. Each puts his or her own spin on the challenges of balancing romance with social expectations, amidst the clash of tradition and modernity.
Ayesha Durrani was born in 1976 in Peshawar, Pakistan. She has been included in group exhibitions at Aicon New York, 2008; Gallery 27, London, 2007; Anant Art Gallery, New Delhi, 2007; and Canvas Art Gallery, Karachi, 2006. She received a BFA from National College of Arts, Lahore, in 2003. Durrani lives and works in Lahore. Sumaira Tazeen was born in 1973 in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Her work has been in solo shows at Canvas Gallery, Karachi, 2007, and Rohtas II, Lahore, 2006, as well as in group shows at Aicon New York, 2008; IVS Gallery, Karachi, 2008; National Art Gallery, Islamabad, 2007; and Museum of Fine Art, Rouen, 2007. She received a BFA from National College of Arts, Lahore, in 1996. Tazeen lives and works in Karachi. Waseem Ahmed was born in 1976 in Hyderabad, India. His work has been included in recent solo exhibitions at Anant Art Gallery, New Delhi, 2006, and Clifton Art Gallery, Karachi, 2005; and in group exhibitions at Aicon New York, 2009; Common Wealth Society, Australia, 2006; Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore, 2005; and Fukuoka Art Museum, Fukuoka, Japan, 2004. He received a BFA from National College of Arts, Lahore, in 2000. Ahmed lives and works in Lahore.
For further information please contact Anuradha Vikram, Gallery Director, at 650.321.4900 or paloalto@aicongallery.com.