THE STORY BEHIND....
"Don't leave me alone in
this world as being far from one's land is harsher than taking a life"
I
look at the world and people around me with wonderful gratitude………. I think as
a global community we have such vast difference, that is actually greatly
inspiring, and how Allaah intended it to be.
We were made into different nations
and tribes and that creates a fusion of curiosity, respect, awe, love, and
interest among all the cultures which is amazingly unique and beautiful. This
gallery is all about cultural heritage, traditions memories, legacy,
celebration, love, travel, soul, spirituality, comfort, beauty and inspiration.
I love to travel and keep a visual journal which incorporated ephemera
collected during my travel, which have been inspirational for my paintings in
this gallery.
“It’s a very introspective view for me: It’s realizing the beauty
we have on earth, and also realizing the beauty in ordinary things to find joy
even in sad moments to make the ordinary into extraordinary for every moment of
our lives is a Blessing from Allaah [Almighty] only if we reflect and ponder……..
In today’s world America is
known as the Melting Pot of the world. People from different countries of the
world all come to fulfill their dreams. At the same time clinging to the
cultural essence they bought with them, which is deeply rooted in form of
expression, language cuisine, religion, beliefs, dress, artifact, values,
folklore, philosophies memories, and to the deepest dimensions of their
psyches.
Living decades away from home might not provoke any sentiments for some, for
they have buried their emotions of nostalgic ruminations into their deepest
abyss of thoughts and have moved on with their lives. But for some emotional
souls like me, who cherish pleasant memories, homesickness, longing, and
yearning…being away has been Inspiring.
Cultural Art Gems is a visual
recollection Journey of my childhood memories. It is my cultural journey
experience from ‘Cultural Shock’ when I migrated to United States decades ago
to ‘Cultural Shauq’ which is desire in Urdu for my homeland with more
fondness-es.
The enriched heritage of
hundreds years of cultural intermingling fusion which stretches from North
Africa to Southeast Asia according to local customs and conditions, gave birth
to Ageless legacy of Glorious Islamic Art.
This beautiful tradition of Art promises everything- spirituality,
rhythms beauty, dignity, form style and craftsmanship.
The imprints left by
successive civilizations can be found in the mundane-est handicrafts of
exquisite Chikankari embroidery stitches done on the Kurta [shirt], the magical
writing of the Quranic verses, to the breathtaking impressive palaces of
Alhambra in Spain.
A tapestry of cultural
essences born of my past and present and sharing my heritage by telling the
tales of two continents. I narrate here in these Art work series "Visual
Remembrances" because I think many readers may find it historically
informative, interesting, or perhaps even nostalgic.
The tale of two continents
cultural journey begins with Safar [traveling] of our ancestors from central
Asia and Arab land to India bringing their rich heritage infusing with the local
art tradition and culture.
Karachi, Lahore, Pakistan where most of my childhood was spent has a rich
history.
Islamic heritage has been a remarkable source of my inspiration. The history,
the legacy, the artifacts and the traditions is enough to set the mind spinning
in awe and admiration.
My passion for art, writing,
spirituality, photography, poetry and compassion for feeling the nuance
subtleties’ of human soul have inspired me to illustrate myself through these
creative channels.
The “Collection” contains beautiful illustrated mixed media Art Work created
combining my original watercolor, photography,
and acrylic...and in some
cases modified digitally.
I feel blessed by the ability to express
myself in an artistic way which is ultimately a gift from Allaah God. I am
deeply grateful for this gift of creativity.
