Scrolling and scrolling and more scrolling. Yes I guess it was a day that lacked motivation and productivity. I was bored and searching for anything to take my interest on LinkedIn. Hmm an art exhibit…I read on: showcasing up and coming Pakistani artists. My thirst is being nicely quenched. The TCF Foundation’s UK page were promoting what seemed like a great array of Pakistani art, and proceeds went to good causes such as theirs. Okay, done, let’s grab the camera and go, I say to myself.
Walking the cool streets of Marylebone, dotted with tourists and commuters. Like a live action photo album of past memories. The Globe: we used to go to that pub after school. Hmm I’ve definitely been to that shisha bar before.
I find Asia House already busy. Yes of course, lots of Pakistanis- how pleasant. Maybe I’ll bump into someone I know… Hmm that could be that random aunty I met that one time. I smile politely, in case. She frowns- it wasn’t her.
I look at the pieces. A diverse range of Pakistani talent. Not always but usually with an ethnic twist or two. Watercolours, the use of old maps and Arabic calligraphy- not bad at all.
I see a well dressed man approach me. “You’re Shahmir right?” he says to me inquisitively. I am a bit shocked but I get my bearings and say “Hi, yes I am.” He is the curator, a very friendly man with warm yet intense eyes. He goes on to tell me he has seen my instagram and is very complimentary about it. He also knows my family. The wounds of the aunty’s frown are ushered away.
After chatting about all things art and which cousins of mine he has met, we get a picture and I leave him to go view more pieces. I’m not overly impressed by many, but certainly a few.
In fact Rahar Masud’s: Youth, Beauty & Dreams is quite stunning. The greens of the lady’s clothes are picked up by the leaves of the trees and pendulous fruit in the back drop. She looks familiar- like a blend of the many beautiful Pakistani women I have come across. I wonder: is she annoyed or just concentrating?
Vast black eye-lashes frame almond eyes. Her perfectly shaped deep eyebrows arch. Tendrils of wavy dark hair cascade around the face and lush, plump lips pout at a mirror…or is it an iPhone- well that’s the whole point.
Read My Thoughts 