- Tell us the concept behind ‘A Safe Space’?
My inspiration, for my recent show is from safe spaces which marginalise communities of Pakistan have created for themselves. These communities can be religious minorities, sexual minorities, women, etc. These safe spaces are self-created by these communities, where they can be themselves freely, where they can practice their religious practices freely, or they can discuss their point of view on life, freely. These safe space is provide even do these suppressed communities, where they can feel free, safe and celebrate themselves. Such place is playing important role in a society, as not only these places provide a safe space for marginalised communities, but also at the same time provide a support system.
- Why did you think that this particular concept was important for the show?
I think this is very important to highlight that in Pakistan, there are marginalised communities which live under the shadows. It is important to acknowledge this is spaces which are self created by these community members and act as a support system. I want to celebrate these safe spaces as they play a very important role in making the marginalised communities of Pakistan feel safe comfortable and give them more freedom to practice their way of living.
- You are doing a solo show after 8 years. Why such a long gap?
The reason I did not do a solo sure in the last eight years is because I was taking part in numerous group shows in Pakistan and outside Pakistan. For the solo show, I was waiting for the right concept for the solo show and it took me a right concept, which I felt very personally about.
- Your work in the current show has greatly evolved from your usual figurative canvases. How has this come about and what made you go more abstract for this show?
I have been doing figurative work for quite some time, and for right now I want to do more of a conceptual work and more of a discreet kind of work. In my recent books, I use a lot of textures which gives a lot of depth to the artwork. I want to experiment more with textures and colours.
- How important is it for any artist to experiment with newer mediums? What drove you to explore different orientations of canvases, sculpture and other mediums for your latest solo show?
Leave it is very important for any orders to experiment with new mediums. As when you produce work in new mediums, it gives you new challenges to face and when you face these new challenges you learn you produce unique pieces and I think it’s very important for any of this experiment with new mediums either. It’s been doing sculptures installations or even performing arts.
- For younger artists reading, how important is marketing of the show?
For any orders is very important to market your artwork and yourself. As I think as an artist you are a brand in itself and that brand needs to be properly marketed and packaged for the audience.
- What are your views on self-promotion and brand building as an artist?
It is very important to say, promote yourself as an artist. It’s simple, you have to tell people that you’re an artist, unless you’ve gone very famous that episode, recognising your face and your work.
- Do you think there are lobbies in the art world and each lobby supports only its own patrons? Have you ever felt excluded or sidelined because you are a self-taught artist?
I think every industry has its own lobbies, camps or groups. It is also true in the art world. I have found that there are various groups in the art world, but that has not affected me as I believe that I need to keep producing work, keep showing my work, and keep selling my work. For me, it’s very important as an artist to focus on my work and I kind of woke up at this. I do not want to use my energy on being part of any particular group or a club. Your work should speak for itself.
- What is next for you?
I have a few shows lined up Pakistan and outside Pakistan in coming year so I am busy with that.
- Any advice for aspiring artists for making it big in the art world like yourself?
My advice to younger artists would be to paint, paint, paint. Be yourself, be true to your heart, be patient with the process.