Formally trained in the centuries-old tradition of Indo-Persian painting, Hiba Schahbaz works with imagery predominately developed and practiced by men, and recontextualizes it to embrace women’s perspectives. The Pakistan-born artist uses photographs of her body as visual references for works that echo the stylized figures and landscapes of Islamic art. Meditative and ritualistic, her paintings and drawings unveil the beauty and strength of the female form, as a way of addressing issues of personal freedom, censorship and sexuality. Schahbaz received her MFA from Pratt Institute, and has exhibited at De Buck Gallery and Thierry Goldberg Gallery, among others.  

Featuring two women in an idyllic scene, Moon Dance imbues the composition and motifs of miniature painting with a distinct femininity that ushers the historical genre into the contemporary era. Schahbaz’s goddess-like nudes, each cast with long flowing hair, are surrounded by flowers and water that protrude beyond the confines of the rectangular pink frame, further signifying a break from the restrictions imposed by patriarchal structures. Within this series, Schahbaz has hand embellished five prints with watercolor, gold leaf and collaged elements.

Of this edition benefitting GrowNYC, the artist states, “I believe it is so important for all of us to live sustainably, and to support environmentally friendly initiatives that are committed to helping local businesses and underserved communities. Fresh food shouldn’t be a privilege, and needs to be affordable and available to everyone.”

Of the total net proceeds from sales of this print, 20% will benefit GrowNYC and, as with all AFC initiatives, the artist receives 50%. 

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*Unframed prints ship within 1-3 weeks.
*Framed prints ship within 2-4 weeks.