Ongoing Conversation

Aisha Khalid

11 June 2008 - 27 July 2008

Aisha Khalid is one of Pakistan’s leading artists, with a prominent reputation both internationally and within her own country. Khalid’s exhibition at Pump House Gallery will be her first solo show in a UK public gallery and the most comprehensive survey of her work to date. Illuminating her diverse practice that shifts from exquisite, small-scale paintings on wasli paper to newer media such as video, this exhibition will bring together past and new works commissioned by the gallery.

Part of a developing phenomenon of a younger generation of artists from Pakistan, Khalid has positively responded to the highly skilled tradition of Mughal miniature painting, and rather than rejecting it has revitalised the medium with contemporary issues, ideas and subject matter.

Asserting that ‘my work is totally tied up with my life’, personal narrative and social comment run side by side. The ornate, decorative surface of her paintings often belie a socio-political content; cultural expectations and stereotyping, oppression of women (including those in Western society) and global politics following the aftermath of 9/11. The formal and aesthetic qualities of the historical miniature are also explored in her practice with a respect for the tradition as well as its potential for contemporary critical enquiry, self-expression and social subversion.

This exhibition will provide a unique opportunity to see a selection of Khalid’s paintings from both public and private collections from all over the world including China, Pakistan, Holland, Italy and UK. It will chart her development from early traditional figurative miniatures, work situating the faceless burqah clad figure in claustrophobic interiors, to her current larger scale paintings of geometric and organic patterning that hints at a more coded iconography and meaning.

Aisha Khalid was born in 1972 in Faisalabad, Pakistan and currently lives and works in Lahore. She completed her degree in miniature painting in 1972 at the National College of Arts, Lahore where she then went onto teach the subject and in 2000 undertook a two-year residency at the world famous Rijksakademie, Amsterdam. Khalid has exhibited widely in Europe, USA, Australia and Asia including international biennials and art fairs and has artwork in collections worldwide.

Events
Exhibition Talk
Monday 9 June 2008
6 - 6.45pm
The Artist and Dr Virginia Whiles in conversation
An opportunity to hear Aisha Khalid in conversation with Dr Virginia Whiles, discussing the artist’s practice and ideas explored in the exhibition.
Dr Virginia Whiles holds a Ph.D from S.O.A.S on Contemporary Miniature Painting and currently teaches at Chelsea College of Art as well as at NCA and BNU in Lahore.

Family Workshops

Pump House Gallery would like to invite you to some very special Family workshops to mark the 150th Anniversary of Battersea Park and its new exhibition ‘Ongoing Conversation’ by Artist Aisha Khalid.

All workshops are FREE booking is recommended. To book a place email us at pumphouse@wandsworth.gov.uk or call 0207 350 0523

Workshops are suitable for children age 3 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. (Maximum of 2 children per adult)

Saturday 14 June 2008 11am – 1pm Camouflage workshop
Much of Aisha Khalid’s work utilises beautiful repeated patterns and deals with ideas of visibility and camouflage. In this workshop you will use Aisha’s work to explore different kinds of pattern and camouflage and create a beguiling camouflaged artwork of your own.

Saturday 14 June 2008 1pm – 3pm Miniature Painting workshop
Learn about the tradition of miniature painting in this exciting workshop for the whole family led by artist Faiza Butt. Experiment with colour by mixing pigments with organic materials such as beetroot, coffee and tea. Then, make your own creation inspired the artwork by Aisha Khalid or the beautiful surroundings of Battersea Park.