Khadim Ali, Transition/Evacuation 1, 2014, Wool, cotton thread and ink, 310 x 210 cm
ARNDT Singapore presents a solo exhibition of new works by Sydney-based artist Khadim Ali. Following the style of miniature painting and rug making, Khadim makes use of traditional methods in his work which draws inspiration from Afghan mythology dating back thousands of years.
The artist hails from the Hazara minority in Afghanistan where his family was forced to flee from their home, escaping Taliban massacres. They settled in Quetta, Balochistan in Pakistan where Khadim was born and raised. In 2000, Khadim was accepted into the National College of Art in Lahore, Pakistan, where he specialised Miniature Painting. The turbulent times were unrelenting, and after losing many family members to the Taliban, Khadim realised it was no longer possible to continue his art making in Pakistan. He was offered a distinguished talent visa by the Australian government in 2010, and moved to Sydney. The relocation offered him greater mobility, and the opportunity to develop work incorporating other art forms.
Khadim Ali’s current body of work reflects his many concerns and demonstrates an adept way of combining mediums and conceptualizations. The artist´s deepening anxieties about events in the region he still calls ‘home’, (both Pakistan and Afghanistan) reflects his responsibility concerning his role as an artist– and despite the harrowing conflicts that are implied throughout most of his practice, an unexpected sense of heroism prevails.
Khadim Ali, Transition/Evacuation 2, 2014, Wool, cotton thread and ink, 198 x 267 cm
Venue: ARNDT Singapore, 9 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks #03-21, 108937 Singapore
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 11am – 7pm | Sun 11am – 6pm
