Meet Shabana Kauser | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shabana Kauser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shabana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I create detailed, realistic oil paintings that include portraits and still life work, where I capture traditional South Asian fabrics, jewelry and realistic skin tones and features. My art has allowed me to connect with communities throughout the US, share my voice, experience and culture. I have met people from a variety of backgrounds that are seeking hope, inspiration and authentic representation of South Asian culture in the arts. My art is inspired by my life in the UK, as a first generation Pakistani immigrant and now as an immigrant in the US. I was born in the UK and lived there for over 25 years. In 2008, my husband was offered a work opportunity in Northwest Arkansas. We left the bright lights of London, our careers in the corporate world and made the move. Due to visa restrictions I was unable to legally work for several years in the US. It was a frustrating time where I felt capped, my transition to a new country and community was tough. I worked hard to keep my mind active. After various volunteer projects, I finally enrolled in art classes at the local community center. That’s how I found my passion for art. Once I was allowed to work, I created a collection of oil paintings and planned for my first art exhibition. That was in March 2017 and it was a success. We certainly filled the gallery that evening, with guests pouring out of the door! This initial show gave me hope and inspired me think how I could use my immigration experience, share my story and connect more with the community.
My newly found skill in painting, then got me thinking about my parents generation, their journey from Pakistan occupied Kashmir, to the UK. The use of traditional fabrics throughout my work, are inspired by my childhood, where I grew up around fabrics. My mother would sew traditional clothes for the South Asian community in London, she used the skills my grandmother taught her, to start her own business in a country where she faced cultural barriers. Today, traditional fabrics, namely the ‘Dupatta’ (South Asian scarf) are captured throughout my oil paintings. Representation in the arts is crucial for me, and with a long list of reasons. My work has now been exhibited with numerous galleries and museums throughout the US.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create detailed, realistic oil paintings that include portraits and still life work, where I capture traditional South Asian fabrics, jewelry and realistic skin tones and features. My art has allowed me to connect with communities throughout the US, share my voice, experience and culture. I have met people from a variety of backgrounds that are seeking hope, inspiration and authentic representation of South Asian culture in the arts.

I use my own fabrics, jewelry and models to create my paintings. My work is inspired by how I relate to fabrics and remember them being worn. I enjoy sharing the inspiration, process and the actual fabrics I have used to create paintings with people. My work is my vision and unique to my upbringing.

The immigration experience involves uncertainty, changes and adaptation. My work has a universal message of strength, courage, determination, uncertainty, belonging and acceptance. That resignates with people regardless of their gender or background. The community has really amazed me with their interest in my culture. America is a nation of immigrants, it important for people to connect with the raw immigrant experience and remember the journey of their family and ancestors.

Ever since my very first exhibition, my learning curve has been steep. Not only learning new skills with creating but also learning about the art industry as a whole. Like many creatives I have had to carve my own path, figure out who my audience is and how I will get my art to them. That has taken time through consistently showing my work, keeping an active artists resume / CV, and building on it each year. I also happen to thoroughly enjoy the ongoing learning side of my art, it keeps me motivated and focused on growing.

One of my proudest moments was from last year, where I had a solo exhibition at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum in Arkansas. Just to see one of the galleries in the museum, dedicated to my work was incredible. To top that, the museum placed one of my portraits (titled ‘Bahin’ which means ‘sister’ in Urdu/Hindi language) on the outside of the building. The portrait is a South Asian female wearing an aqua color dupatta and jewelry. That was a proud moment, not just for me but everyone who has followed my work and journey, and the women I represent in my artwork.

I’d like the world to know that my work is there for everyone to enjoy, appreciate and learn from in any way they choose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My go to would be to take them to the local arts district, wherever I am. Art districts are the places to be! In my experience, not only do you enjoy art by local, living artists, you get to be a part of a community that welcomes everyone and encourages learning. The Santa Fe arts district in Denver would be a great afternoon of inspiration, culture, art and local coffee! I’d also love to re-visit various parts of London UK with them, and take them to Southhall, Green Street in London, where we would visit South Asian small businesses, shop traditional fabrics and jewelry together and enjoy some lassi (milkshake) and homemade samosas (pastry with spicy filling). I tend to visit London every 2 years and do this, on each visit I bring South Asian fabrics back to my studio in Fayetteville AR, where I create my oil paintings that are inspired by my heritage. These paintings are then shared with communities throughout the US, where conversations open up about my journey, immigration, South Asian culture, food, language, fabrics and more! The power of connecting with people through art, always shines bright!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a long list of people I could name here, and as my work continues to grow, so does my gratitude list. My husband, immediate family and close friends have been there ever since my first exhibition. To my art mentor, Trena Ward! A fabulous human, she has always been generous with her knowledge as she opened my eyes, mind and heart to creating. Thank you to Marsha Foster for offering and hosting my very first art exhibition (March 2017) in Downtown Rogers, Arkansas. I have a long list of curators, art industry contacts and fellow artists that have introduced me up to some exciting opportunities. There are many supportive artists I continue to build relationships with as we learn from one another, stay inspired and focused on our goals. A huge thank you to all my collectors that have believed in me. I love my gratitude list!

Website: www.shabanakauserart.com

Instagram: shabanakauserart

Linkedin: shabanakauser

Facebook: shabanakauserart

Image Credits
Collection of Oil Paintings by Shabana Kauser Shabana in her studio finishing off a self portrait Photo taken outside Fort Smith Regional Art Museum in Arkansas, when Shabana had a solo exhibition there in 2022. A proud moment to see her work placed on the outside of the museum. Oil painting titled ‘Dupatta #6’, pink on pink portrait Oil painting titled ‘Dupatta #9), teal painting with hand and traditional bracelets and the dupatta. Oil painting titled “Peela’ this is the Urdu / Hindi word for yellow.