Waseem Ahmed (Pakistani, B. 1976). ND. "Untitled (Emerging)".
Gouache and multiple layers of silver leaf on wasli paper. 12 x 9 in.
Framed and matted dimensions: 27.5 in x 20 5/8 in.

"Emerging" is a stunning example of the technical skill and thematic imagery of Indian Contemporary artist Waseem Ahmed. At center of this miniature gouache painting on paper, a woman is depicted undressing, her robe, made from many sheets of silver foil, falls from her shoulders to expose her nude back. This shiny, built-up treatment of her clothing stands in marked contrast to the rest of the smooth surface of the work. Above her a fox stands in the upper corner. The use of a rich orange in contrast to the blue circle in which she stands makes the composition pop visually. The intricate detail of the red dotted line that draws the fox to the woman is a powerful touch, as is the punched hole in the work that is painted red underneath at the lower right.


Trained in the Pakistan tradition of miniature painting at the National College of Arts in Lahore, Waseem Ahmed (b. 1976, Hyderabad, India) transforms this tradition of miniature painting into witty works of contemporary art by exploiting taboo themes. His compositions often feature such radical subjects as Taliban figures, presenting them amidst contrasting visions of spiritual worlds and gardens of paradise, which ultimately promotes a deeper understanding of the social and political struggles that have plagued Pakistan. His work has been the subject of solo shows throughout Pakistan and his work has also appeared in International exhibitions at AICON Gallery, New York, NY (2009); Anant Art Gallery, New Delhi, India (2005); Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Japan (2004); and Parliament House, London, UK (2004).