Zarina Hashmi Illness And Health Before Death, How Did Zarina Hashmi Die?
by Srinithi
Updated Jul 17, 2023
Who Was Zarina Hashmi?
Zarina Hashmi, professionally known as Zarina, was an accomplished Indian American artist and printmaker based in New York City. Renowned for her minimalist approach, her diverse body of work encompassed drawing, printmaking, and sculpture, employing abstract and geometric forms to evoke a profound spiritual response from viewers.
Born Zarina Rashid on July 16, 1937, in Aligarh, India, she was the daughter of Sheikh Abdur Rashid, a faculty member at Aligarh Muslim University, and Fahmida Begum, a homemaker. Zarina pursued a degree in mathematics, earning a BS (Honours) from Aligarh Muslim University in 1958.
She further honed her craft by studying various printmaking techniques in Thailand and Paris, where she apprenticed under Stanley William Hayter at Atelier 17 studio. She also trained with renowned printmaker Tōshi Yoshida in Tokyo, Japan. Throughout her artistic journey, Zarina resided and worked in New York City.
In the 1980s, Zarina contributed significantly to the feminist art movement, serving as a board member of the New York Feminist Art Institute and teaching papermaking workshops at the affiliated Women's Center for Learning. She actively participated in the feminist art journal Heresies, particularly in the "Third World Women" issue as a member of the editorial board.
Sadly, Zarina passed away in London on April 25, 2020, due to complications related to Alzheimer's disease. On July 16, 2023, on what would have been her 86th birthday, a Google Doodle featuring her iconic works was released, paying tribute to her artistic legacy and influence.
Zarina Hashmi Illness and Health Before Death
Zarina Hashmi, the celebrated Indian American artist and printmaker, succumbed to complications of Alzheimer's disease, marking the end of a remarkable artistic career that spanned several decades. The debilitating effects of the disease took a toll on her mental and physical health, ultimately leading to her passing.
Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, gradually eroded Zarina's cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, and behavior. As the disease advanced, she faced significant challenges in recalling and recognizing her loved ones, navigating daily tasks, and expressing herself creatively. Alzheimer's slowly stripped away her vibrant spirit and left her vulnerable to a range of physical and mental impairments.
Throughout her battle with the disease, Zarina's family, friends, and the artistic community rallied around her, offering support and understanding during this difficult period. They witnessed firsthand the gradual decline of her cognitive functions, which affected not only her artistic output but also her ability to communicate and connect with others.
Zarina's contributions to the art world were profoundly impacted by her battle with Alzheimer's. The disease gradually robbed her of the artistic vision and technical skills that had made her work so influential and highly regarded. It was a heartbreaking transformation for an artist who had once been celebrated for her ability to evoke profound emotions through her abstract and geometric forms.
Despite the challenges posed by Alzheimer's, Zarina's legacy remains intact. Her earlier works continue to captivate audiences and inspire generations of artists. Her unique perspective and exploration of themes related to identity, memory, and displacement have left an indelible mark on the art world.
How Did Zarina Hashmi Die?
Zarina Hashmi, the renowned Indian American artist and printmaker, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2020, in London. She had been residing with her niece and nephew during her final years as she battled a prolonged illness, specifically Alzheimer's disease.
The news of Zarina Hashmi's passing reverberated throughout the art world, leaving behind a profound sense of loss. Her artistic contributions, spanning various mediums such as drawing, printmaking, and sculpture, had garnered international acclaim and had a profound impact on viewers.
During her long and illustrious career, Zarina had become synonymous with the minimalist movement, employing abstract and geometric forms to evoke spiritual and emotional responses from her audience. Her works were celebrated for their profound simplicity and their ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
As the grip of Alzheimer's disease tightened, Zarina faced significant challenges in preserving her creative prowess. The disease gradually eroded her cognitive faculties, making it increasingly difficult for her to express herself artistically and engage with her audience. However, her earlier works stood as a testament to her exceptional talent and left an enduring legacy in the art world.
In her final years, Zarina was surrounded by her caring and devoted family members, who provided the necessary support and comfort during her battle with Alzheimer's. Their presence undoubtedly brought solace to Zarina as she navigated the complexities of the disease.
The passing of Zarina Hashmi on April 25, 2020, marked the end of a remarkable artistic journey. Her contributions to the art world, characterized by her unique aesthetic and unwavering dedication to her craft, will continue to inspire and influence artists for generations to come.
What Happened to Zarina Hashmi?
Zarina Hashmi, the renowned artist known for her contributions to the art world, including her minimalist works, passed away on April 25, 2020, after a long illness due to Alzheimer's disease. While specific details regarding her funeral are not widely available, it is important to note that Zarina Hashmi was of Muslim faith, which typically follows specific burial customs and traditions.
In Islamic tradition, it is customary to conduct the burial as soon as possible after the individual's passing, preferably within 24 hours. This promptness allows for the deceased to be laid to rest and begin their journey into the afterlife. However, the exact timing and arrangement of Zarina Hashmi's funeral would have been determined by her family, taking into consideration various factors and circumstances.
Given that Zarina Hashmi was living in London at the time of her passing, it is likely that her funeral took place in accordance with Islamic customs observed in the region. The precise details of the funeral, such as the location and specific rituals performed, would have been private and limited to her close family and friends.
Funerals in Islamic tradition typically involve washing and shrouding the body, performing a prayer (known as Janazah prayer), and burying the deceased in a Muslim cemetery. The ceremony is often attended by family members, friends, and members of the community who gather to pay their respects and offer prayers for the departed soul.
During this difficult time, Zarina Hashmi's family and loved ones would have come together to support one another, seek solace, and honor her memory. The funeral would have provided an opportunity for them to reflect on her life, celebrate her achievements, and bid her a final farewell.
Zarina Hashmi Personal Life
Zarina Hashmi, the renowned artist, embarked on a journey of cultural exploration and artistic growth alongside her husband, diplomat Saad Hashmi. After their marriage in 1958, the couple embarked on a life filled with travels and relocations due to Saad's diplomatic career.
Their experiences took them to various cities around the world, including Bangkok, Paris, Bonn, and Delhi. Each destination provided Zarina with unique cultural encounters, exposing her to diverse perspectives, traditions, and artistic influences. These encounters played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic viewpoints and fueling her exploration of themes such as "home," "displacement," "borders," and "memory."
Living in different countries allowed Zarina to immerse herself in different cultures, languages, and ways of life. She keenly observed the impact of borders and the notion of home in these varied contexts, leading her to question and delve into the concept of identity and belonging. The experiences of constant movement and adapting to new environments influenced her artistic expression and deepened her understanding of the complexities of human existence.
Zarina's exposure to diverse cultures also expanded her artistic repertoire. She was exposed to various artistic traditions, techniques, and art movements prevalent in each location. This exposure enriched her artistic practice, enabling her to experiment with different mediums and approaches to create evocative artworks.
Throughout her journey alongside Saad, Zarina delved into her own personal experiences of displacement, longing, and memory. Her artworks became a visual exploration of these themes, capturing the emotional and psychological impact of borders and the longing for a sense of home. Her minimalist approach, employing abstract and geometric forms, allowed her to convey complex emotions and introspective narratives.
The diverse cultural encounters and moves experienced by Zarina significantly influenced her artistic trajectory. They provided her with a rich tapestry of experiences, inspiring her to create thought-provoking artworks that resonated with audiences worldwide. Zarina's exploration of themes like "home," "displacement," "borders," and "memory" became the foundation of her artistic identity and established her as a prominent figure in the art world.
By drawing from her personal journey and the transformative power of cultural encounters, Zarina Hashmi's artworks continue to invite viewers to contemplate their own sense of place, belonging, and the intricate interplay between personal and collective memory. Her body of work serves as a testament to the profound impact of cultural experiences on artistic expression and the enduring relevance of exploring themes of identity and displacement through art
Zarina Hashmi Illness and Health Before Death- FAQs
Zarina Hashmi passed away on April 25, 2020, after battling a prolonged illness related to Alzheimer's disease. The degenerative effects of the disease gradually impacted her mental and physical health, leading to her peaceful passing in London, where she resided with her niece and nephew.
Zarina Hashmi, known professionally as Zarina, was an accomplished Indian American artist and printmaker recognized for her minimalist approach and profound exploration of themes such as "home," "displacement," "borders," and "memory." Her diverse body of work encompassed drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.
Alzheimer's disease gradually eroded Zarina's cognitive faculties, making it increasingly challenging for her to express herself artistically and engage with her audience. However, her earlier works continue to resonate and showcase her exceptional talent, leaving a lasting legacy in the art world.
Specific details about Zarina Hashmi's funeral are not widely available. However, being of Muslim faith, it is likely that her funeral followed Islamic customs and traditions, including a prompt burial, potentially on the day of her passing or the day after. The precise details would have been private and limited to her close family and friends.
Zarina's experiences alongside her husband, diplomat Saad Hashmi, living in various cities around the world, deeply influenced her artistic viewpoints. Experiencing different cultures, borders, and notions of home shaped her exploration of identity, displacement, and memory. These encounters enriched her artistic practice and contributed to her unique artistic perspective.