Google Doodle celebrates the 86th birthday of Zarina Hashmi, an Indo-American artist.

Today, Google Doodle is honoring the birthday of Zarina Hashmi, a significant artist of Indian American origin, who would have celebrated her 86th birthday today. The doodle, created by guest illustrator Tara Anand from New York, respectfully reflects Hashmi's artistic approach by integrating her distinctive geometric and simplistic abstract forms.

According to media reports, Hashmi gained recognition for her impressive sculptures, prints, and drawings. Her artistic creations, influenced by the Minimalist movement, adeptly utilized abstract and geometric shapes to elicit a deep sense of spirituality in those who observed them.

Zarina Hashmi, born in 1937 in the small Indian town of Aligarh, enjoyed a happy upbringing alongside her four siblings until the partition of India took place. This unfortunate event compelled Zarina, her family, and numerous others to move to Karachi in the newly formed country of Pakistan.

Hashmi got married to a young diplomat when she was 21 years old and began a journey that led her to different parts of the world. While traveling to Bangkok, Paris, and Japan, she had the chance to delve into printmaking and fully engage herself in the modernist and abstract art movements.

In 1977, Zarina Hashmi made a notable decision to relocate to New York City, where she became a fervent supporter of women and female artists from diverse backgrounds. She quickly became a member of the Heresies Collective, a feminist journal committed to exploring the intersection of politics, art, and social justice.

Afterward, Hashmi assumed a position as a professor at the New York Feminist Art Institute, an establishment dedicated to offering fair educational prospects for female artists. In 1980, she joined forces to co-curate a show named "Dialectics of Isolation: An Exhibition of Third World Women Artists of the United States" at A.I.R. Gallery. This exhibition served as a crucial platform for highlighting the creative expressions and viewpoints of women artists who came from marginalized backgrounds.Hashmi received significant acclaim for her captivating intaglio and woodcut prints, skillfully incorporating semi-abstract representations of the houses and cities she had lived in throughout her life.

Her art possesses an enduring allure that consistently captivates viewers on a global scale. Its ability to engage and resonate with audiences is unmistakable, as evidenced by its inclusion in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions. Notably, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have all recognized the profound impact of her artwork and proudly display it as a testament to its artistic excellence.

The presence of her pieces within these renowned museums is a remarkable achievement, symbolizing the profound significance and lasting impact of her creative vision. Each brushstroke and every composition has earned its rightful place among the hallowed halls of artistic excellence, affirming her status as a distinguished artist of our time.

Moreover, her artistic accomplishments extend beyond these prominent institutions. Various distinguished galleries worldwide have also chosen to exhibit her work, further amplifying the reach of her captivating artistry. These galleries, known for their discerning taste and commitment to promoting exceptional talent, have recognized the depth of her artistic expression and eagerly share it with their discerning patrons.

The widespread recognition and inclusion of her art in esteemed collections and galleries serve as a resounding endorsement of her artistic prowess. Her ability to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire contemplation through her creations is both undeniable and universally acknowledged. As her art continues to enthrall and enchant viewers worldwide, it solidifies her place as a masterful artist whose impact on the art world is both profound and enduring.

Her artistic expression was deeply influenced by her identity as an Indian woman, born into the Muslim faith, and her experiences of constant relocation during her formative years. Notably, Hashmi's artwork frequently showcased visual elements reminiscent of Islamic religious adornments, characterized by precise geometric patterns that held great aesthetic appeal.

Zarina Hashmi's early artistic pieces, with their abstract and subtly geometric aesthetics, have been compared to celebrated minimalists like Sol LeWitt.The captivating nature of her artwork continues to mesmerize audiences around the globe, which is clearly demonstrated by the fact that prestigious institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have all chosen to permanently showcase her pieces in their collections. In addition to these renowned museums, numerous other distinguished galleries have also recognized the brilliance of her work and have given it a place of honor among their displays. This widespread recognition serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and artistic significance of her creations.