Memory is a big element in my work. My memories of art began with my mother teaching me the alphabet, with drawings she made alongside the letters. This led to me drawing throughout my upbringing and then having the privilege of studying art. In doing so, I learned the foundations of painting, drawing, sculpture, and textiles.

 

Through my studies, I began to think about my identity and my struggle with assimilation. Being born in Pakistan to living in America allowed for moments where I was othered by both Americans and Pakistani people in my life. I grew up being told I was lucky to only speak English and be well-spoken at that. My family would remind me to always do my best with the privileges they did not have at my age. Looking back, I feel like I had to give up my heritage in order to live the way my family wanted.

My work extends into understanding my true self and what it is like to overcome assimilation while regaining pieces of my Pakistani identity that I feel like I lost as a child.