Shahzia Sikander: The Last Post

Shahzia Sikander, The Last Post, 2010, single-channel HD digital animation, color, 5.1 surround sound; 10:00 minutes. Music: Du Yun. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, 2025.11. ©2025, Shahzia Sikander. Courtesy the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles
Shahzia Sikander, The Last Post, 2010, single-channel HD digital animation, color, 5.1 surround sound; 10:00 minutes. Music: Du Yun. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, 2025.11. ©2025, Shahzia Sikander. Courtesy the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles · License
Shahzia Sikander: The Last Post is on view at Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C., United States, until November 8, 2026.
This exhibition presents Shahzia Sikander’s ten-minute digital animation film, which examines the history and impact of British imperialism in Asia. Drawing on traditional Indo-Persian miniature painting styles, the artwork blends shifting architectural and geographical motifs with a soundtrack by composer Du Yun to explore the reach of historic corporate and military power.
Artists
Venue
- Smithsonian American Art MuseumWashington, D.C., United States · July 3 – November 8, 2026Closes 8 Nov
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Images

Shahzia Sikander, The Last Post, 2010, single-channel HD digital animation, color, 5.1 surround sound; 10:00 minutes. Music: Du Yun. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, 2025.11. ©2025, Shahzia Sikander. Courtesy the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles
Shahzia Sikander, The Last Post, 2010, single-channel HD digital animation, color, 5.1 surround sound; 10:00 minutes. Music: Du Yun. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, 2025.11. ©2025, Shahzia Sikander. Courtesy the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles · License · Source ↗