Zubeida Agha (Pakistani, 1922-1997) Untitled (Flowers in a Vase)Zubeida Agha (Pakistani, 1922-1997)Untitled (Flowers in a Vase) signed and dated Zubeida '71 lower rightoil on canvas, framed90.1 x 43.8cm (35 1/2 x 17 1/4in).CELEBRATING ZUBEIDA AGHA'S BIRTH CENTENARYProvenanceThe Collection of Imran R. Sheikh; family of the artist.ExhibitedLondon, Bonhams, Zubeida Agha, 2022, No. 8 PublishedSalima Hashmi for Bonhams, Zubeida Agha: Celebrating an Extraordinary Career, 2022, p.8, No.8Zubeida Agha was a socially and politically aware individual, attuned to what was happening around her, which becomes critical to the viewing of this work. The year it was painted was marked by the civil war in Pakistan, where half the country broke away and Bangladesh came into being. Agha was close to many people 'on the other side', the most eminent among them being the celebrated artist Zainul Abedin, a dear friend. Her anguish at the time was shared by many among the art community.The painting belies all these circumstances and seems instead to be celebrating a moment of optimism and vigour. This was not unusual for the artist. She was known for keeping her emotions under wraps and her stoicism intact under extreme circumstances. The vase is placed in isolation against the light, a burst of colour emanating from its form. Agha often painted single bottles and vases which took her fancy. A particular favourite was a bottle of Chianti which made a regular appearance. A vase of Murano glass was another, strategically placed under a painting in which it appeared. These were considered decisions and no accident. The symbolic use of colour and form was intrinsic to her process. In this example, the two flowers stand defiant, rising from the austere form below; the narrative in the painting is deliberate and intentional. - Salima Hashmi