In a groundbreaking moment for contemporary art, two Ohio museums are simultaneously hosting work by acclaimed Pakistani-American visual artist Shahzia Sikander.
This highly anticipated exhibition titled Collective Behavior combines nearly 100 works spanning over three decades of Sikander’s influential career, offering an expansive view of her innovative approach to South Asian artistic traditions.
Sikander is renowned for reimagining classical manuscript painting through a modern lens, earning international acclaim for her thought-provoking work.
Collective Behavior first captivated audiences as a Collateral Event at the 60th International Art Exhibition—La Biennale di Venezia. Now, Ohio audiences will experience her dynamic visual language in two distinct but complementary presentations.
The Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) offers a sweeping retrospective, organized thematically rather than chronologically, showcasing Sikander’s deep engagement with history, feminism, and global identity.
The exhibition, curated by Ainsley M. Cameron, PhD, explores the artist’s recurring visual motifs and evolving inquiries. It highlights Sikander’s role as a Pakistani-American and Muslim artist and as a global citizen confronting the complex intersections of power, gender, and colonial legacies.
Cameron describes Sikander as a “thoughtful, innovative artist who mines histories…to grant us new perspectives on the present and to open up new possibilities for the future.”
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) presents a unique perspective by placing Sikander’s works in dialogue with historic South Asian artifacts from its renowned collection. This presentation, curated by Emily Liebert, PhD, underscores the enduring resonance of traditional artistic forms while situating them within contemporary discourse.
“Collective Behavior proposes kinship systems between experience, consciousness, race, and culture,” Sikander explains. “This exhibition reflects my commitment to re-centering women’s narratives, interrogating gender politics, and challenging uneven power structures.”
The artist’s career is marked by groundbreaking achievements, from pioneering the neo-miniature movement to expanding her practice into digital media and sculpture. With accolades, including a MacArthur Fellowship and the Pollock Prize for Creativity, Sikander continues to push artistic boundaries, drawing from her rich cultural heritage to shape new narratives for contemporary audiences.
Visitors can experience Collective Behavior at CAM through May 4, 2025, with tickets available online and free admission on select dates.
At CMA, the exhibition will run through June 8, 2025, with free entry for all. As these two Ohio institutions unite to celebrate Sikander’s transformative artistry, Collective Behavior invites audiences to witness the power of tradition and innovation converging in a remarkable exhibition.
