Zarina Hashmi

(1937-2020)

Untitled (Pin Drawing)

Footnotes

Provenance
Property from a private collection, New York.
Gifted to the vendor by a Prominent Collector;
Acquired from the artist.

Zarina Hashmi, often known simply as Zarina, was an accomplished Indian-American artist whose work spanned printmaking, sculpture, and drawing. Born on July 16, 1937, in Aligarh, India, she grew up in a culturally rich environment deeply influenced by Islamic traditions. Her upbringing laid the foundation for the exploration of themes like displacement, memory, and home that would become central to her artistic expression.

Zarina's journey as an artist began with her training in mathematics and later in printmaking at the Pratt Institute in New York City. She moved to the United States in the 1970s and continued to refine her craft, drawing inspiration from her experiences of migration and the concept of 'home' in a world marked by displacement.

Her works often featured minimalist aesthetics, characterized by clean lines and geometric forms as seen in Untitled (Pin Drawing), reflecting both her mathematical background and her interest in the simplicity of Islamic art. In her 'Pin Drawings' she has created reliefs formed by the repeated piercings of a sewing needle. These grid patterns form a constellation of tiny holes, and mirrors one of her most renowned series, 'Home Is a Foreign Place,' which explores the idea of home as a transient and elusive concept through intricate woodcuts and collages.

Throughout her career, Zarina's art served as a means of introspection and exploration of her identity as a woman, a Muslim, and an immigrant. She delved into themes of belonging and alienation, offering viewers a glimpse into her personal journey of navigating cultural and geographical boundaries.

Zarina's contributions to the art world earned her widespread acclaim, with her works being exhibited in prestigious venues globally, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, and the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, among others. She was also the recipient of numerous awards and honours, including the Civitella Ranieri Foundation Fellowship and the United States Artists Fellowship.

To see another from the series and same collection sold in these rooms see Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art, Lot 9, 6th June 2023.