Artwork
A staged reception, and a little bit of rain
A staged reception, and a little bit of rain is a print by Jamal Shah. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print shows a man dancing in the rain. It was made in 1988 by Jamal Shah, who grew up in Pakistan.
The rain is new for Shah. He saw it as a sign of hope, not sadness. Kids and a chicken appear too. They show the busy life of Pakistan’s streets.
Check out Shah’s other prints at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
A staged reception, and a little bit of rain is a 1988 print by Pakistani artist Jamal Shah, featuring a male figure performing a traditional Paktun (Khatak) dance in the rain, surrounded by children and a feeding chicken in the foreground.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure's dance symbolizes cultural heritage, while the rain, a novel element in Shah's work post-1988 London visit, conveys hopefulness. Recurring motifs of children and a chicken evoke vibrant Pakistani street life.
Technique & Style
The print incorporates a section of design and printed text from a Sotheby’s auction catalogue, juxtaposing traditional Pakistani imagery with Western perceptions of Islamic art, reflecting Shah's exposure to international influences.
History & Provenance
Created in 1988, following Shah's time in London, where he earned a Master's in Fine Arts from the Slade School of Art. The artist's background includes founding the Artists Association of Balochistan and leading the Fine Arts Department at the University of Balochistan.
Context
This work reflects Shah's dual influence: his Pakistani roots and his Western education, blending traditional dance, local street life imagery, and elements commenting on Western views of Islamic art.
Legacy
Part of Jamal Shah's body of work housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, this print contributes to the institution's collection of contemporary Pakistani art, showcasing the artist's unique blend of cultural and international elements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jamal Shah is a Pakistani actor, director, musician, writer, sculptor, painter, and social activist.
