Dawani Art Gallery - Rustam Series by Khadim Ali - KHAL-01

Khadim Ali, born in 1978 in Quetta, Pakistan, as a member of the Hazara minority, grew up amid the cultural and geopolitical upheavals affecting the Afghan-Pakistani border. Fleeing from persecution by the Taliban, his family found refuge in Pakistan. Ali's artistic journey began with traditional studies; he learned Mughal miniature painting at the National College of Arts in Lahore and studied calligraphy in Tehran. This blend of classical training is vividly reflected in his intricate works that often engage with themes from the Shahnameh, an epic Persian poem that has profoundly influenced him since childhood. Ali's career is marked by significant international engagements and collaborations that explore themes of cultural memory and destruction. Notably haunted by the Taliban's destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, Ali's work often reflects on themes of loss and the erasure of cultural history. His projects have included engaging children from Bamiyan and Japan to draw local and shared narratives, which he integrates into his art, creating dialogues across cultures and histories. Currently residing in Sydney, Quetta, and Kabul, Ali's work continues to be showcased internationally, including prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale and Documenta. His art, rich with historical references and contemporary relevance, offers a poignant exploration of displacement, identity, and resilience, making visible the often unseen struggles of marginalized communities.

Medium: Watercolour, Gouache and Ink on Wasli Paper
Year: 2009

Dawani Art Gallery is a Toronto-based online gallery founded by architect and passionate art collector Murlidhar Dawani, dedicated to showcasing South Asian art and celebrating the cultural heritage of Pakistan, India, and the region. The gallery offers a meticulously curated selection of art, prints, and sculptures from leading Pakistani artists, Indian artists, and global creatives, bridging the gap between contemporary and traditional art. With works by Anwar Saeed, Jamil Naqsh, Tassaduq Sohail, Nagori, Colin David, and Bashir Mirza, Dawani Art Gallery presents an inspiring collection that reflects South Asia's diverse artistic expressions and stories.

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