Moderate Enlightenment

This work is another nod to the miniature though unlike the Akhlaque work, the subject is contemporary while the treatment is traditional including the size, the border and the rendering of the painting. Imran Qureshi is one of the leading voices of contemporary miniature painting from Pakistan. Qureshi’s ‘Moderate Enlightenment’ series is a nod to the figurative painting of the Mughal era. Bearded men, at work and play holding umbrellas, blowing bubbles and chasing after dragonflies are a complete departure from their usual depiction. One of Imran Qureshi’s most important works and this painting has been extensively exhibited and published and was lately exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This work can form a connection with both of Faiza Butt’s works in this exhibition.

Exhibitions: This work is a miniature and has been shown at The Venice Biennale in 2009, The Sharjah Art Museum at the Sharjah Biennial, 2011 and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York in 2013.

Published: The Sharjah Biennial Publication in 2009, Catalogue accompanying the Rooftop Commission at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013, Imran Qureshi – The Monograph in 2013, The God of Small Things Catalogue accompanying the Exhibition in 2014,