Shabana Nazir – A young Artist Makes Her Debut

Shabana Nazir is a painter of miniature art, schooled in the tradition of the masters. She has been a student of Bashir Ahmed since 2001, whom she joined after completing her formal education. These learning years have been intense and she has worked consistently to imbibe the discipline of the art. She began with `Sayah Kalam` drawing from the classic art of Persian and Moghul art. Then Shabana practiced copying the intricate borders of the art before concentrating on the colour aspects. When the Ustad was satisfied with his young artist`s understanding of the techniques of miniature or album painting, she was given the go-ahead to experiment with media and images, fusing traditional techniques with contemporary concepts. Shabana reveled in the excitement of incorporating numerous aspects in her art giving reference to A.R.Chughtai in her use of colour and setting subjects and situation of her own personal experience into a detailed, classically worked landscape.

Viewing the work completed during her years of training was an impressive experience. In the studio where she works Shabana has a collection of paintings that document her progress, tracing her development as an artist through the years. A quietly spoken, serious young woman, Shabana spoke of her childhood love of miniature art and her familiarity with the discipline at an early age due to her family`s friendship with her teacher. On visits to his studio with her father, she determined at an early age that this art was her vocation, and she has proved her tenacity and capabilities through the long years of study and practice.

Taking part in several group displays held in Lahore, gave the artist an opportunity to gauge her work comparing it with that of her peers and adding to her confidence. So much so that she is now mounting the first solo exhibition of her career at the Native Gallery, Lahore. Unassuming and working alone for hours, Shabana Nazir is now ready to receive public opinion and critical acclaim. On the first steps of her career one wishes her success in her chosen art.

Marjorie Husain