Tradition mingles with innovation in Sikander exhibit

Pakistani artist Shahzia Sikander will open her self-titled exhibition at the Renaissance Society on Sunday, March 8. The opening reception, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Bergman Gallery, Cobb 418, will feature a discussion between the artist and Homi Bhabha, the Chester D. Tripp Professor in the Humanities, held at 5 p.m. in Cobb 307.

Trained in the art of the Indian and Persian miniature, Sikander uses the traditional materials and techniques of this art -- such as vegetable dyes, teas stains, burnished wasli papers and watercolor -- to address issues of heritage and gender. In an exploration of new formats and scale, Sikander will exhibit large-scale wall paintings, including unorthodox self-portraits, alongside a few dozen of her innovative miniatures. Two related events have been scheduled: Sara Suleri, author of The Rhetoric of English India and Meatless Days, will read from her work at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, and Dawn Raffel, author of the short-story collection The Year Long Division, will read at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Both events will be held in Bergman Gallery, Cobb 418. Admission to the readings is $5, $3 for students.

For more information, call 702-8670.