Zarina, who chooses to be referred to simply by her first name, was a prominent figure in feminist circles of the New York art scene in the 1970s. While her work has been featured in major exhibitions and represented in important public collections, including those of the Hammer Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, this exhibition marks the most comprehensive survey to date of her strikingly beautiful, contemplative, and poetic oeuvre.
Family has been the cornerstone of Zarina’s inspirations. One of her most personal and iconic pieces of artwork titled Letters from Home is a compilation of six unposted letters written by Rani, her sister, to Zarina. Years later, Rani shared these letters with her during one of their visits together. The letters recounted the death of their parents, the selling of Rani's home, the sadness she felt after her children moved away, and how much she missed Zarina's presence throughout those trying times.
Due to her declining health, Zarina now spends most of her time in London with her niece, Saima, and nephew, Imran. She enjoys spending time being surrounded by family there, especially her great-grandniece, Shanaya.
For more information on the artist's life and work, visit www.zarina.work, the artist's official website.
Text Reference:
Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zarina_(artist) on July 24, 2018.
Excerpts from the book Zarina ‘Weaving Darkness and Silence’ by Sadia Shirazi published by Gallery Espace on 2018
Excerpts from the book Zarina ‘Paper Houses’ published by Gallery Espace on 2007
Excerpts from https://www.zarina.work/family, retrieved on April 9, 2020.