Aisha Imdad

Inspired by Indian, Mughal, and Persian miniatures and frescos historically prized in her birthplace of Pakistan, Aisha Imdad creates work that reflects traditional approaches to painting informed by a contemporary vocabulary. Imdad’s current body of work investigates the garden. Originally meaning “paradise” in ancient Persian, the garden has historically evoked a microcosm of the ideal world and suggests a place for contemplation and seclusion. By examining present-day and historical gardens and studying literary and archival references to gardens in fiction, poetry, and biographies, Imdad aspires to reconnect with nature from different points of view over the course of time.

In The Allegorical Gardens, Imdad unveils a new series of intricate, large-scale paintings accompanied by immersive sensory elements—floral fragrances and the sounds of water and birdsong. Through lush depictions of botanical beauty, the exhibition invites viewers into imagined sanctuaries that reflect the garden’s enduring role in human history. Exploring their spiritual and therapeutic significance, Imdad highlights the garden as a space of healing, contemplation, and cultural memory.

About the Artist

Aisha Imdad paints contemporary style miniature paintings exploring the myths, folktales, and history of South Asia, using watercolor and gouache techniques as her medium. Imdad has over 25 years of experience as an educator and crafts and heritage expert. She has a BFA and an MA (Hons.) in Visual Art from National College of Arts, Lahore. Imdad’s work has been exhibited in several shows across the United States and Pakistan.