Solo Exhibition ‘Dupatta: Journeys of life and Cultural Identity’ was hosted by Baker University in Baldwin City in Kansas during the month of September 2021. The gallery featured my oil paintings and my new mixed media work. My oil painting titled ‘Ustad’ was chosen by the gallery director to use for the official flyer. ‘Ustad’ is the Urdu word for teacher. Perfect choice as the feature painting!
Professor Horton and Baker University also invited me to spend a day on campus, where I did some artists talks for students, faculty and the public. For one talk, Powerpoint was set up and some notecards ready in case I lost track. The other talks were in front of my work in the gallery. I talked about my journey, geography, history, language (Urdu), fabrics, art and more. Holt-Russell gallery (located in the university), told me they had received a high level of interest for this exhibition and talk, and outside of the art school, so that was wonderful to hear. We were invited by Professor Horton to attend his class and help to critique student’s work. That was a new experience for me, I enjoyed meeting his undergraduate and MFA students.
On the same day was the opening reception for my solo exhibition. I enjoyed sharing my work and meeting the community in Baldwin City and at Baker University. Lot of great questions and conversations opened up through my work and this exhibition.
