AISHA KHALID

YOU HAVE SET ME APART

NATIONAL ART GALLERY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN 2017, LAHORE BIENNALE 01, PAKISTAN 2018

This diptych tapestry evokes the sensation of a single carpet split down the middle into two distinct parts. The design motifs are inspired by traditional Kashmiri carpets. One side of the tapestry features rich green velvet, while the other is adorned with vibrant red fabric.

The division is further emphasized by the use of materials: one half is embroidered with gold-plated pins, while the other is adorned with steel pins. This choice of materials reflects the political division of Kashmir and symbolizes the contrasting experiences within the region.

The gold-plated pins represent the grandeur and heritage of Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship, while the steel pins convey a harsher, more violent reality. The sharpness of the steel pins alludes to the ongoing suffering and conflict faced by people in Indian-occupied Kashmir. Together, the tapestry pieces poignantly highlight the region’s deep political and social divisions, using the contrast between the materials to underscore the impact of violence and discord.

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