Zarina Hashmi, commonly known as Zarina, was an Indian-American contemporary artist known for her minimalist artwork. She was born on July 16, 1937, in Aligarh, British India (now Uttar Pradesh, India).
Zarina grew up in a household that valued education and creativity. She studied mathematics at Aligarh Muslim University and later pursued printmaking at Atelier 17 in Paris in the 1960s. During her stay in Paris, she was influenced by various art movements and developed an interest in geometric abstraction and minimalism.
In the 1970s, Zarina moved to New York City, where she settled and continued her artistic journey. Her work primarily focused on themes of displacement, memory, and identity, often drawing inspiration from her personal experiences and the concept of home. Having lived in different cities throughout her life, she explored the idea of belonging and the loss of a sense of place through her art.
Zarina's preferred medium of expression was printmaking, particularly woodcuts. She employed geometric shapes, intricate lines, and delicate textures to create compositions that conveyed a sense of simplicity, restraint, and emotional depth. Her works often incorporated symbolic elements such as maps, architectural plans, and handwritten text.
Throughout her career, Zarina received recognition for her artistic achievements. Her works have been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions in prestigious art institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Venice Biennale, and the British Museum in London.
Zarina passed away on April 25, 2020, in London, leaving behind a significant artistic legacy. Her contributions to contemporary art, particularly in the realms of minimalism and printmaking, continue to be celebrated and appreciated by art enthusiasts globally.
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