Dreaming of an Earthly Paradise

Kashmir and More at The Art Institute

Nilima Sheikh; Each night put Kashmir in your dreams, 2003-10; Nitin Bhayana CollectionThe Kashmir Valley has been called “paradise on earth.” The contested region between India and Pakistan is vividly brought to life in a beautiful and haunting series of scroll paintings by one of India’s most revered artists, Nilima Sheikh.Nilima Sheikh; Each night put Kashmir in your dreams, 2003-10; Nitin Bhayana Collection

The series is titled Each Night Put Kashmir in Your Dreams.

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In the eight paintings (plus two banners made specifically for The Art Institute) Sheikh references past and present with imagery from folktales and contemporary history. Lush colors are combined with modern and medieval poetry and quotes from Salman Rushdie’s books.

It is the artist’s wish to “keep Kashmir present” in the eyes and minds of viewers. Nilima Sheikh’s work just opened at The Art Institute and will be on view through May 18.

Dayanita Singh; courtesy of the artist and Frith Street Gallery, LondonAnother exhibition highlights the work of Dayanita Singh, a bookmaker and photographer who also works with interconnected series and themes. Included here are photos of an outcast Singh befriended 25 years ago and a Museum of Chance – a sort of portable gallery of her work, a wooden structure filled with photos.

Dayanita Singh’s installation and photographs are on view through June 1. Dayanita Singh; courtesy of the artist and Frith Street Gallery, London

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