Based in Jaipur, Usman Tirandaz is an exceptional contemporary miniature artist who acts as a bridge between India’s rich history and modern creativity. His lineage traces directly back to the imperial workshops (karkhanas) of Emperor Akbar, one of the greatest champions of traditional miniature painting. A master of naturalistic flora and fauna, his works recall the miniature tradition, but are still distinctly different. However, rather than simply copying old masterpieces, he uses this historical tradition as a launching pad for his own voice, taking recognizable motifs and giving them a refreshed, modern energy.