Artwork
Gul-e-lalah
Gul-e-lalah is a paint painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Aisha Khalid. It dates from 2004 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work titled Gul‑e‑lalah is a painting that presents three dark‑blue burqas set against a dense floral motif.
About this work
Overview
The work titled Gul‑e‑lalah is a painting that presents three dark‑blue burqas set against a dense floral motif. The garments merge with the patterned background, their folds barely discernible, while vivid red openings at the neck break the surface and draw the eye inward.
Subject & Meaning
The composition suggests a tension between concealment and exposure: the burqas appear to enclose the female form, yet the striking red cut‑outs hint at moments of visibility and subtle resistance. The artist interprets the clothing as both a restrictive envelope and a space where identity can surface.
Technique & Style
Through a limited palette of deep blues and bright reds, the painter overlays the fabric onto an intricate, repetitive floral design. The pattern creates a rhythmic visual flow, while the precise rendering of the red apertures provides a sharp contrast that punctuates the overall harmony of the piece.
History & Provenance
Gul‑e‑lalah belongs to a series sharing the same title, a phrase that translates to “Tulip‑flower.” Since the artist’s residency in Amsterdam during 2001‑2002, both the burqa and the tulip have recurred in her oeuvre, appearing in varying prominence across the series’ other canvases.
Artist & collection
Artist
Aisha Khalid is a female contemporary visual artist, working with miniature painting, textiles, video and site specific installations in architectural spaces.
