Art exhibition at Brown’s Watson Institute puts new spin on ancient art of Indo-Persian miniature painting

Previously, Hussain worked with traditional gouache paint and wasli paper. In more recent years, she has been modernizing the artform's traditional motifs by painting digitally with an iPad and Apple Pencil. After printing the digitized works, she uses acrylic paint to add additional detail.

"I would go back to Pakistan to get my materials, but with limited space in my suitcase, it became difficult," said Hussain, who moved to the U.S. with her husband for his job in medicine. "I also like the convenience of working digitally."

Vora, who is a doctoral student in the history of art and architecture, is originally from Mumbai and is specializing in South Asian modern and contemporary art as she pursues her Ph.D. at Brown. She said she wanted to showcase Hussain's work to amplify the contributions of women to the field.

"Working in modern art has made me realize how women artists have often been overlooked, especially in South Asia," she said. "I'm grateful that the Watson Institute has given us a space to explore these ideas."

The exhibition is on view in the institute's Stephen Robert '62 Hall at 280 Brook St. in Providence through May 31. An artist talk with Hussain will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 5:15 p.m. in the building's Truth North Classroom.