AISHA KHALID

I AM AND I AM NOT

VIDEO PROJECTIONS 2021, FRERE HALL KARACHI, PAKISTAN 2021,GOVETT-BREWSTER ART GALLERY/LEN LYE CENTRE, NEW ZEALAND 2023

Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when life had come to a standstill, this video reflects on the significance or insignificance of being, depending on one’s perspective. Khalid’s family experienced a forced migration from Sindh to Punjab, losing their home and farmland. Reconnecting with her passion for agriculture, Khalid has recently rekindled her love for farming.

In the lower segment of the video, Khalid stands confidently in the midst of ripened wheat fields on her farm. A close-up drone shot captures her face, which, as the camera rises, gradually diminishes in defining features until it appears as a tiny image resembling a seed. This transformation evokes a sense of insignificance within the larger framework of divine plans. The drone shot then descends to reveal her face once more, illustrating the highs and lows of life.

Above this, a cinemascope video of the sky with clouds and birds suggests surrendering to the natural course and trusting in God’s plans. In Sufi interpretation, the chant ‘Hu’ signifies that only God is real. The background score, featuring the sound of water and Khalid’s recitation of ‘Hu,’ invites viewers to place their complete trust in God and surrender to His will.

© Copyrights Aisha Khalid. All Rights Reserved.