Born in Pakistan, in

Education:
Electronic media art, Denton, Texas, Graduate course, 2005
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, MFA, Printmaking, 2000
Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, BFA, Printmaking, 1998
Central Institute of Arts & Crafts, Karachi, Pakistan, 1991

Lives and works in Dallas, TX

My work crosses over the cultural boundaries with the complexities of the East and Minimalism of the West. I incorporate unusual materials in my work such as sheer hand-dyed fabric. These fabrics are used in my native country, Pakistan and other South-Asian countries as apparels, scarves and veils. By creating shadows and silhouettes of myself from these fabrics, I deal with the issues of Western ideas about the veil. I try to create and show the many layers and mysteries attached to the veil that I grew up with, which are more mysterious, complex, provocative, delicate, and sensuous than what we see in the Western media.

The Shadow element first appeared in my work as a repercussion, following the 9/11 tragedy. At that time, I would often feel uncomfortable telling people about my Pakistani origin to avoid arguments or other similar experiences. Later, these shadows acquired further implications as I also grew interests toward investigating a shadow’s literal and philosophical meanings. For example, a shadow can be described as an illusion; a shape, which can be bright or dim, clear or distorted, sharp or blurred. It may fall anywhere; on the floor, the wall, or the ceiling. At the same time, shadows can also symbolize a human condition, like some one who is chasing his or her shadows, or lives under the shadow, or many other similar connotations.

In addition, the subtle and ghostly movement of this delicate material by the swirling air currents adds a formal appeal and air movements, when caused by the viewers, also allow an interaction with the work.

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