وَرَق (Varaq) Page

نُقْطہ (Nukhta), Centre

The smell of an old-fashioned rose garden with a matt texture of pearlescent whipped cream. The powdery thinness is a reminiscence of the countless hours I encountered my ami (mother) and nani ami (grandmother) applying the cream. The subtle echoes of golden bangles, the gold-plated Sahara Jumkhas ( earings) entangled with delicate black thread swung across matted cheeks bones to the edges of a neckline. You cached a glimpse of the Chiffon dupatta in a light blush, with thin, detailed lace and needlework. Occasionally you saw the surma being applied as the final step.

عَکْس (Aks) Reflection

Something blurry

Indulgence that shuffles

concrete

anguish that pierces

colours that simmer

construction that weaves through the past

yearning for a clan

Apricots, peaches, tangerines amalgamated with walnuts

The unknown familiarity, like I have been here before.

پَہْچان Identity

The perfumes of cloves, flax seeds, and jaggery infused with semolina and almonds. The floating odours of Cardamom and fennel seeds in my chai. The multiple freckles of loose yarn and spools of thread were found stacked in a random tin box. The freshness of cut fabric and layers of rolled fabric rolls, some embellished and others marbled with botanical patterns. Khakhi, pistachio and ecru-coloured shalwar kameez folded and some creased on the top shelf of a coffee-coloured wardrobe.

آغاز (Aaghaz/Beginning)

There is no beginning. There is a searing yearning somewhere for a resolution. It is a prolonged synthesis where the familiar is a betrayal, a hypnotic illusion, penetrating and enslaving your intellect. Then, suddenly, the mind is awakened, and a process of healing, reckoning and reflection with the unknown begins. The journey starts in search for truth, Justice and a sacred connection of radical love that can open a curious and conscious heart.

Project has been funded by Create:Inclusion Fund by Creative Scotland