In 'Flight,' I delved into my own identity and explored the historical migration of people in the Indian subcontinent during the end of British colonial rule in 1947. This period was marked by violence, uproar, and bloodshed as Indian and Muslim leaders fought for power and independence for their people. The outcome was the partition of India and the birth of the new Muslim country, Pakistan. Through the mediums of fabrics and stitches, I aimed to capture the tension and complexity of this historical moment.
Working within different spaces, I carefully considered the architecture and layout of each location. Each installation was designed to interact with and respond to the unique characteristics of the space. I allowed the physical environment to shape and inform the presentation of my artwork.
I sourced torn pieces of pure Indian silks, cotton, and pre-owned women's and children's traditional clothing, such as Salwar Kameez and Sarees, from charity shops. These fragments, infused with their own stories and histories, became the building blocks of my artwork. Through painstaking hand-stitching and merging, I brought these disparate elements together. Each stitch represented a visible mark of violence, but it was also a sign of regaining control and resilience. I wanted to create a visual dialogue between the presence of cultural clothing within the present surroundings.
To further connect my personal experiences with the broader narrative of migration and struggle, I incorporated elements of my own storage bags. These bags had served as vessels for my belongings during times of personal hardship. By integrating them into the artwork, I not only infused my own journey into the piece but also symbolised the journeys of countless individuals who were uprooted and displaced during that time.
As I moved from one space to another, I adapted the arrangement and configuration of the artwork to engage with the specific architecture of each setting. Whether it involved suspending fabric panels from ceiling beams, draping textiles over pillars, or using the walls as canvases for stitched narratives, I aimed to create an immersive experience that merged the historical context with the present surroundings.
Through 'Flight,' I aimed to create a dialogue between the past and the present, drawing upon the architectural elements of each space to amplify the narratives of migration and struggle. By integrating my artwork with the physical environment, I hoped to foster a deeper connection between viewers and the stories embodied within the fabrics and stitches, inviting them to reflect on the impact of history on individual lives and collective memory.
