Indian artist Khandakar Ohida has been awarded the prestigious Jameel Prize in its seventh edition, an accolade presented triannually by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London alongside the UAE and Saudi Arabia-based cultural organization Art Jameel. With a monetary reward of £25,000, the Jameel Prize is designed to celebrate artists who draw inspiration from Islamic traditions. For this year, the theme revolved around moving images and digital media, which resonated with Ohida’s compelling entry, her film “Dream Your Museum.” This work explores the life and meaningful experiences of her uncle, Khandakar Selim, revealing how everyday objects and memorabilia can tell deep personal and cultural stories.
Ohida’s film presents a portrait of her uncle that transcends the conventional, rigid structure of museums typically found in India. By showcasing Selim’s collection of ordinary yet significant objects—ranging from binoculars to photographs and ceramics—she critiques the colonial legacy of museum narratives. Her work invites audiences to perceive value in what may seem mundane, thus challenging traditional museum authority and encouraging a more inclusive approach to storytelling through objects. This approach promotes alternative narratives that reflect the multifaceted experiences of Muslim communities in India, effectively bridging personal histories with broader cultural contexts.
The Jameel Prize judging panel, chaired by V&A Director Tristram Hunt, lauded the “quiet power” exhibited in Ohida’s cinematic work. They recognized how the film and the accompanying installation of her uncle’s remarkable collection resonate with contemporary societal themes. The panel highlighted Ohida’s ability to weave personal history into a larger discourse surrounding the artistic legacy of Islamic traditions, reaffirming the importance of diverse voices in contemporary art. Through her work, she not only challenges established artistic norms but also champions the significance of individual stories within collective cultural experiences.
Art Jameel Director Antonia Carver emphasized the innovative spirit that the Jameel Prize embodies, recognizing how it spotlights practices influenced by the legacy of Islamic art and design. This edition’s focus on moving images and digital media underscores the evolving nature of visual storytelling, showcasing artists who engage with pressing issues. These themes include ecology, spirituality, and the resilience of community histories, illuminating how art can serve as a platform for critical dialogue and reflection in modern society.
Alongside Khandakar Ohida, several other notable artists were shortlisted for this year’s Jameel Prize, including Sadik Kwaish Alfraji, Jawa El Khash, Alia Farid, Zahra Malkani, Marrim Akashi Sani, and the collective of Rami Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian. Their works reflect a broad spectrum of artistic styles, ranging from photography to sculpture, installation, and virtual reality. Each artist, in their own right, contributes to the rich tapestry of contemporary arts informed by Islamic themes, diversifying the narratives presented within this context.
An exhibition featuring Khandakar Ohida’s work, along with the pieces of the shortlisted artists, is scheduled to take place at the V&A South Kensington. This exhibition is set to run from November 30, 2024, to March 16, 2025, providing a platform for these artists to showcase their talents and engage the public. The Jameel Prize, through its recognition of innovative figures such as Ohida, not only celebrates excellence in the intersection of art and Islamic tradition but also promotes the ongoing evolution of cultural dialogue in the global art scene.
