EXHIBITION: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SALIMA HASHMI |
Salima Hashmi — artist, writer, social activist and educator — wears many hats with rare ease, and her influence extends far beyond the canvas. She has played a formative role in shaping the landscape of contemporary art in Pakistan and beyond, while consistently initiating vital conversations around social justice, education and cultural discourse.
For a long time, it had been my wish to interview her and review her solo body of work, but I never had the opportunity. Hence, there was no second thought when I received a personal invitation to attend her exhibition at Rohtas 2 Gallery, Lahore, which also marked the celebration of her birthday.
When I ask Hashmi how her journey as an artist began, she reflects on her childhood and the people who shaped her early life: “I was a reticent child, so drawing became a refuge, though I didn’t realise it would become my career path. I always knew I wanted to teach.”
Later, at the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, it became clear that her future lay in the art and design fields that she has always seen as being deeply intertwined.
Salima Hashmi reflects on her evolving artistic practice and the influences that have shaped her life’s trajectory
Hashmi’s father, the renowned poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, was a profound influence on her. “His life........