Daak Weekly: Women Artists in the Modernism Movement

Modernism in South Asian art developed throughout the 20th century as part of a broader movement to explore new forms of expression and break away from colonial and traditional influences. Particularly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, artists sought to find a unique voice in the post-colonial era, reflecting their diverse cultural contexts.

Women played a vital role in shaping modernism in South Asian art, challenging traditional gender roles and bringing new perspectives to the artistic landscape. Artists The emergence of women artists brought attention to previously marginalized voices and experiences, inspiring a broader conversation about gender and representation in the art world. Their contributions not only enriched the modernist movement in South Asia but also paved the way for future generations of female artists to continue challenging norms and expressing their stories.

In Pakistan, the modernist movement is said to have been heralded by Zubeida Agha’s first solo exhibition in Karachi in 1949. Agha (1922–1997), a young woman who was studying political science and philosophy in college, ultimately gave in to her recurring dreams about painting. Through her art, she sought to understand her dreams — her powerful colourist style giving glimpses into her dreamscape.

Similarly, Indian artist Nasreen Mohamedi (1937–1990) is recognised today as one of the significant modern artists of the 20th century. Living much of her life in productive solitude and anonymity, her drawings demonstrate a disciplined effort to capture silence, movement, balance, and delicate emotional intensity. Mohamedi’s lines are always deliberate, operating within structures that appear to float at impossible angles, demonstrating her unique approach to modernist abstraction.

Modernism continues to represent a dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, and women artists have definitely broadened the artistic narrative, allowing for diverse perspectives and experiences. As the movement evolves, it reflects the ongoing dialogues about identity, society, and the transformative power of art.

Love,

Team Daak

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